Burj Khalifa - Success or Failure?: Project Management Perspective

Project Overview
‘Burj Khalifa’, formerly known as ‘Burj Dubai’ is currently the world’s tallest building. It is a unique & spectacular skyscraper, and an engineering marvel to set ones sight on – if one could get a complete glance without having to strain their neck. Almost a kilometer from tip-to-toe, the exquisite structure stands about 2,717 feet or 830 meters tall with total-floors amounting over 160 (Golden, 2010). Located in the heart of the fresh-metropolitan city, Dubai, the Burj Khalifa was just one part of the vast project called ‘Burj Downtown’ or ‘Downtown Dubai’, which included the world’s largest shopping mall ‘The Dubai Mall’ and various other construction projects (villas, offices, entertainment/recreational facilities, restaurants, etc.). The goal of erecting Burj Khalifa was not only to be the highest skyscraper but was designed & constructed to be a milestone of ingenuity, inspiration and accomplishment. The construction was planned by the Dubai government with the purpose of becoming a hub for finance, trade & tourism in the Middle-East ("Burj khalifa" 2009). The idea of the mega-structure itself feels or sounds almost over-whelming, but there was and is a strong will, vision, goal and mission set by the political & economic leaders of the United Arab Emirates to accomplish the task of creating, managing & handling the world’s tallest building. As it was announced near the end of year-2003 that the world’s highest man-made structure was being planned to be constructed soon, much was expected to follow-through in the coming time. Undoubtedly, it was a massive project with over 60 contractors & consultants (both international & local) and thousands of people (stakeholders) and a budget of about U.S.D. 875 million ("Burj khalifa fact sheet" 2010). According the developers (Emaar PJSC), approximately 22 million man-hours were expected (2004-2008) to the finalization of the masterpiece. After some planning, the construction process began in January

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