18 To get an indication of the contributing factors to delivering on time, our survey asked the 75 projects that were delivered on time to rate potential factors from very important to not at all important.
19 Project managers cited a range of factors that were important to successful delivery. These factors can be classified either as those seen as good practice in project management, or those intrinsic to the nature of the PFI contract.
20 Project teams reported factors such as the quality of private and public sector management, good relationships and a clear understanding of the project as contributing to delivery to timetable. Interview participants also stressed the importance of clear communications between partners, coupled with clarity over the ultimate aims of the project to assist a timely completion. The NAO has reported on these elements of best practice in previous reports, both on PFI and conventionally funded projects.
21 Equally important to delivering to timetable were factors such as clear output specifications, deferment of the unitary charge until completion, and good forward planning in the procurement phase. Because of the nature of the contract and the due diligence needed to write it and assign risks, PFI is likely to encourage thorough planning during the procurement phase. Early risk assessment should also encourage realistic plans to be agreed upon. Deferment of the unitary charge is intended to be the main incentive for successful delivery to timetable. Project teams do believe this to be important, but no more important than other factors.