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 (SMMP)
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The Strategic Management of Major Projects (SMMP) is a self-paced executive program designed to provide a clear and structured understanding of how major infrastructure programs are shaped.
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The program focuses on the strategic layer—where mandate, governance, funding, and delivery models are defined—and where program outcomes are often determined.
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 this layer more accessible, structured, and practical to understand.
Who This Is For
SMMP is suited to professionals working on or around major infrastructure programs who want to operate more effectively at a strategic level.
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
The program is intended for those with, or moving toward, strategic responsibility.
What the Program Covers
The program focuses on the core 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 critical area required for effective strategic leadership.
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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🔷 Program Pathways
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Strategic Foundation (Knowledge Track)
For executives seeking to expand their knowledge:
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Completion of all 10 modules
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No requirement to submit assignments or sit the final examination
This pathway provides a structured understanding of the strategic management of major projects.
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MPG Gold Standard Accreditation (SDA Track)
For those seeking formal industry recognition:
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Completion of all 10 modules
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Submission of prescribed board paper assignments
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Completion of the Strategic Delivery Examination
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Completion of the SDA Thesis and Viva Voce Defence
All assessments are subject to independent adjudication by Major Projects Group (MPG).
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🔷 Recognition
Successful completion of the SMMP program is recognised by:
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Certificate in the Strategic Management of Major Projects
Awarded by Major Projects Academy (MPA)
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Strategic Delivery Advisor (SDA)
Awarded by Major Projects Group (MPG)
SDA accreditation is awarded independently of program completion and is subject to formal assessment and adjudication.
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🔷 Certified Award (SDA)
Candidates who achieve the required MPG Gold Standard will be awarded the designation:
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Strategic Delivery Advisor (SDA)
This requires:
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Minimum overall score: 24/30
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Minimum 8/10 across all three axes:
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Strategic Insight
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Structural Thinking
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Leadership Influence
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Successful candidates are:
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Formally accredited by MPG
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Registered on the MPG Executive List of Strategic Delivery Advisors
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Recognised as meeting the benchmark for excellence in the strategic delivery of mega infrastructure programs
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🔷 Closed Corporate Cohorts
MPA also delivers closed corporate cohorts (minimum 10 executives), comprising:
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Introductory half-day session
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Three full-day sessions covering:
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Management
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Methodology
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Mastery
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Sessions are led by Dr Gary Walker, combining structured content with group discussion and applied case studies.
Between sessions, participants prepare and submit board paper assignments for assessment.
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.