2.1. Initiate Effective Decision-Making
“The Georgia Department of Transportation provides a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to its citizens and environment. “ GDOT Mission Statement
Section Outline
2.1.2. Interdisciplinary Project Teams
2.1.4. Results through Communication
2.1.1. Management Framework
It is important to initiate the planning and design of a transportation project the right way – within an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation, and trust. This can ensure that all agencies, communities and stakeholders are participating in a consensus-driven solution.
Every project falls within a local, state, federal, tribal or private jurisdiction. All transportation projects affect someone somewhere. In other words, all stakeholders are potentially affected in both positive and adverse ways. Therefore, transportation planning and project development in Georgia require an inclusive mindset that is different than if a single agency were building a transportation project.
In recent years, GDOT has been advancing its mission and strategic objectives of safety, mobility, and preservation of community values and the natural environment. All parties need to think in terms of collaboration and communication which ultimately leads to consensus.
Since CSS is a customer-focused initiative, project managers should understand that real partnerships between GDOT and others do not occur automatically on a project-by-project basis. They are the result of continuous, collaborative and respectful working relationships.
This is why the project management structure must be supportive of not only the CSS concepts, but also supportive of inclusive stakeholder involvement and an interdisciplinary project team approach.
In the Department, work processes and procedures, policies and project approaches are already being changed or refined as a result of this cultural change or shift in thinking. CSD/CSS requires that project managers and design engineers take a new approach to projects and possess willingness to remain flexible and create innovations to meet both transportation and community objectives and priorities.
Within GDOT’s management framework, there is an emphasis on project management and developing talented, technically competent, creative project teams. This team experience is paramount to the successful implementation of the CSS process.
