MAJOR PROJECTS ACADEMY
A Leading Authority in 'Mega' Projects
Dr Gary Walker
Founder & Academy Director
Founder
Dr Gary Walker is the Founder and Director of the Major Projects Academy, focused on the strategic management of major infrastructure programs and the role of the client in shaping successful outcomes.
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His work centres on the level at which major programs are defined—mandate, governance, delivery model, and risk—rather than how they are executed.
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Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he has advised governments, infrastructure owners, and leading organisations on the structuring and strategic management of complex capital programs.
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He has held senior executive roles with leading international client and Tier 1 organisations and advised on major international transportation, energy, civil infrastructure programs.
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He has contributed to academic research and teaching in the field of major projects, including the design and delivery of postgraduate programmes focused on strategic program leadership.
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Dr Walker holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in construction and project management, and a doctoral degree specialising in major infrastructure programs.
His focus remains consistent: ensuring major programs are structured to succeed—not just delivered efficiently.
Programs
Strategic Management of Major Projects
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The Strategic Management of Major Projects (SMMP) is a self-paced program designed to provide a clearer, more structured understanding of how major infrastructure programs are shaped.
It focuses on the strategic level—where mandate, governance, funding, and delivery models are defined—and where program outcomes are often determined.
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Why This Matters
​Across major infrastructure programs, there is a consistent and well-evidenced reality. Most challenges do not originate at the delivery level. They originate in the strategic decisions made early—and are rarely revisited. SMMP is designed to make that layer more accessible, structured, and practical to understand.
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Who This Is For
​SMMP is suited to individuals working on or around major infrastructure programs who want to operate more effectively at a strategic level.
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This typically includes:
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Professionals within infrastructure owners and client organisations
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Individuals working within Tier-1 consultants and delivery organisations
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Those involved in large capital programs or portfolios
It is intended for those with, or moving toward, strategic responsibility.
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What the Program Covers
​The program focuses on the key areas that shape major program outcomes:
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Strategic management of major programs
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Executive decision-making and mandate
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Governance and accountability
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Cross-disciplinary awareness
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Client-side responsibility for outcomes
Each module addresses a core area of understanding required for effective strategic leadership.
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How the Program Works
​The program is self-paced and designed to be completed alongside professional commitments.
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Structured, focused modules
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Research-informed insights and real-world examples
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Short written reflections to consolidate understanding
Most participants complete the program over a period of 3–6 months, depending on pace.
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Recognition
​Successful completion of the program is rewarded by the Major Projects Academy's prestigious Certificate in the Strategic Management of Major Projects and the recognition of being a certified 'Strategic Delivery Advisor' of mega infrastructure programs
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Program Fee
​The program is priced at $1,200. Participants may choose to pay in full or in three monthly instalments of $400.
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Books
Role of the Client
This book is dedicated to the strategic management of mega projects, and in particular, the role of the client. We look at the role of the client executive sponsor and how to use alternative, proven management techniques, that will improve your performance as a project leader. The content includes teachings on client sponsorship; executive leadership; mega project governance; strategic procurement; performance improvement; and organisational strategy
System Methodology
This book is dedicated to the strategic management of mega projects, and in particular, to system methodology. We look at the systematic approach a client executive sponsor has to manage during the strategic planning, program development, and project implementation phases of mega project.
The content includes detailed sub-process guidance on management components; vertical connectivity interfaces; stage-gateway hold points; input/output criteria; key activity milestones to enable a client to be informed and seen as a mega project leader.
Funding Mastery
This book is dedicated to the strategic management of mega projects and in particular, to the funding of mega projects. We look at the available ways for clients executive sponsors to fund, from traditional project finance, to turnkey concessions, and alternative structures. We examine the origins, the players, and benefits of each funding route to give you a clear understanding and 'mastery'.
The content includes the origins of project finance; the funding structures of past mega projects; processes involved; and analysis.