Abstract With selected representative samples of 208 top managers from 43 major projects between 1990 and 2012, this study established an impact factor analysis model of administrative incentives for top managers in major projects. It is found that Chinese major projects provide promotion opportunities for top managers who are between 40 to 45 years old, well educated, at lower administrative level and taking the position of standing deputy executives, and the age of 50-year-old or more is a turning point for the administrative promotion. There is a U shaped relationship between tenure and administrative incentives ratio. Compared with developed regions, given the ability of managing major projects, the officials are more likely to be promoted in undeveloped areas. Also, it is found that with the increasing number of infrastructures, from the 1990s, the promotion opportunities had been reduced for officials of project management. Furthermore, it remains irrelevant between cost control level and administrative promotion quota, which is not conducive to curb frequent cost overruns phenomenon in major projects.
2016, Vol. 13 
