Program Management (Fundamentals of Project Management)
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'I would recommend that program managers who want a simple and useful guide to get hold of a copy of the book and keep it handy. Organizations should place a copy of the book in their library along with books on strategy and strategy implementation. For academics teaching a course in program management it would be a good as a textbook or as a reference book from which relevant readings can be suggested to students.' --- --Associate Professor Shankar Sankaran University of Technology, Sydney for PPPM eJournal
'The highlight of the whole book is how it deals with and explains programme governance. What makes this theme throughout the book so refreshing is that it clearly places governance in the context of organisational strategy rather than the normal command and control model that is often assumed to be good governance. In summary, Program Management is a thought-provoking book...it forces the reader to consider programme management as a discipline in its own right.' ----- Ed Burney-Cumming (Project and Programme Delivery Director for Instigate Solutions Ltd) in Project Magazine
'The highlight of the whole book is how it deals with and explains programme governance. What makes this theme throughout the book so refreshing is that it clearly places governance in the context of organisational strategy rather than the normal command and control model that is often assumed to be good governance. In summary, Program Management is a thought-provoking book...it forces the reader to consider programme management as a discipline in its own right.' ----- Ed Burney-Cumming (Project and Programme Delivery Director for Instigate Solutions Ltd) in Project Magazine
Product Description
Program management (PgM) is fast developing as the essential link between strategy and projects and as a vehicle for organizational change. It offers the means to manage groups of projects with a common business purpose in an integrated and effective way. Based on practical applications of PgM in different countries, as well as the leading standards, "Program Management" reflects the most recent developments in the area. It offers an understanding of program management's connection to business strategy and value realisation, beyond multiple-project management. Additionally it emphasizes the need for program specific processes, based on an iterative life cycle and the management of multiple stakeholders and their expected benefits. The book is grounded in a robust theoretical framework, complemented by a number of case studies. It analyzes the best organizational structures for program management and provides tools and techniques to deal with complex, unplanned change in a structured manner. It also develops knowledge of particular techniques required for managing programs as well as the competencies and skills required from program managers. It features a number of case studies.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
Ever wanted to know what makes a good Program Manager different - why some get it and some don't? What is this thing called Program Management? Why do companies increasingly need it to stand out, to succeed? This book will shine a light on these questions and more in an open and straightforward manner. If you are responsible for realising strategies and bringing in the benefits to the organisation; everyone knows that project management can make things happen, but how do you get that discipline and drive for your strategic needs? This is Program Management. For me this book simply and concisely explains what and how this is achievable. For a practising Program Manager this is a first, a theoretical text which really understands what I do!
Format:Paperback
This modest looking book (of around 200 pages) addresses an area of vital importance, and one that is gaining in stature as groups of projects become more complex and all-embracing in management. Michel Thiry has drawn on his considerable experience and research to produce an excellent text that academics, and practitioners alike, will find of immense value. The content is well researched, empirically supported, and grounded in the definitions and terms of the relevant Bodies of Knowledge, and will provide an excellent resource for the consideration of programs of linked projects.
This is a timely publication as it recognises the paradigm shift over the last few years from `tools and techniques' to `behaviours' and `softer' elements within project and program management. Too often, at the program level, activity is seen in terms of `process', but Michel has rightly recognised the management challenges of ambiguity and uncertainty, the importance of behaviours and culture, and the pervading `complexity creep' that is now being recognised as an important element of programs and projects.
The book starts with some conceptualisation of the program domain, and addresses the concepts of uncertainty and ambiguity early in our journey. Chapter two moves from the program to the organizational context, and also looks at program offices. We then move to issues of maturity, and of culture, with some excellent advice on how to promote `culture shift' within programs of projects. Arguably, the book is worth the investment for this section alone. Chapters four and five examine key program components, the participants in program-based management, and their roles and responsibilities. Section Three (Chapters six to eleven) deals with some of the `nuts and bolts' of program management
Overall, I think this is a significant addition to the literature on program-based management, and it is particularly important that Michel has considered what to some will be a familiar subject through a different lens. Specifically, this text considers its' subject area with an awareness that not everything can be planned, that ambiguity and uncertainty are a major component of today's turbulent organizational environments, and that culture plays a major part in what can be achieved by programs of project-based work.
I believe that program management practitioners will benefit from this book. It has some different, but extremely valid perspectives to offer. The investment of time will reward you, and your program management will be all the better for absorbing the considerable knowledge contained here.
This is a timely publication as it recognises the paradigm shift over the last few years from `tools and techniques' to `behaviours' and `softer' elements within project and program management. Too often, at the program level, activity is seen in terms of `process', but Michel has rightly recognised the management challenges of ambiguity and uncertainty, the importance of behaviours and culture, and the pervading `complexity creep' that is now being recognised as an important element of programs and projects.
The book starts with some conceptualisation of the program domain, and addresses the concepts of uncertainty and ambiguity early in our journey. Chapter two moves from the program to the organizational context, and also looks at program offices. We then move to issues of maturity, and of culture, with some excellent advice on how to promote `culture shift' within programs of projects. Arguably, the book is worth the investment for this section alone. Chapters four and five examine key program components, the participants in program-based management, and their roles and responsibilities. Section Three (Chapters six to eleven) deals with some of the `nuts and bolts' of program management
Overall, I think this is a significant addition to the literature on program-based management, and it is particularly important that Michel has considered what to some will be a familiar subject through a different lens. Specifically, this text considers its' subject area with an awareness that not everything can be planned, that ambiguity and uncertainty are a major component of today's turbulent organizational environments, and that culture plays a major part in what can be achieved by programs of project-based work.
I believe that program management practitioners will benefit from this book. It has some different, but extremely valid perspectives to offer. The investment of time will reward you, and your program management will be all the better for absorbing the considerable knowledge contained here.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
7 reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Program Management with a real focus on how to obtain business value
2 May 2011
Format:Paperback
I consult and teach in this area and welcome this book as a very useful contribution on the topic. For me some of the key features are:
· It has a strong and consistent focus on benefits and achieving value from undertaking programs. There is really no other purpose for undertaking them;
· I do not believe it is possible that anyone can read this book and still think that programs are simply large projects which need to be managed in the same way. Unfortunately many people who write on this topic still do not understand this very fundamental issue;
· It recognizes the challenges in making this work in organisations. Programs are complex and involve not only uncertainty but more importantly ambiguity, which means there needs to be more time spent on "sense making" up front;
· There is a strong recognition about the need to carefully manage the change in the organisation including dealing with resistance to change. This is why stakeholder management and sense-making is so critical.
Students of Program Management will find the book quite useful, as will executives who need to understand why they should adopt business focused Program Management as outlined in this book.
It is certainly the best book I have read on the specific subject of Program Management, and represents considerable research, reflections on experience and new thinking on a current prominent subject.
· It has a strong and consistent focus on benefits and achieving value from undertaking programs. There is really no other purpose for undertaking them;
· I do not believe it is possible that anyone can read this book and still think that programs are simply large projects which need to be managed in the same way. Unfortunately many people who write on this topic still do not understand this very fundamental issue;
· It recognizes the challenges in making this work in organisations. Programs are complex and involve not only uncertainty but more importantly ambiguity, which means there needs to be more time spent on "sense making" up front;
· There is a strong recognition about the need to carefully manage the change in the organisation including dealing with resistance to change. This is why stakeholder management and sense-making is so critical.
Students of Program Management will find the book quite useful, as will executives who need to understand why they should adopt business focused Program Management as outlined in this book.
It is certainly the best book I have read on the specific subject of Program Management, and represents considerable research, reflections on experience and new thinking on a current prominent subject.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Finally a book on Program Management that ties it all together
7 Dec 2010
Format:Paperback
If you are interested in improving your delivery capability and effectiveness then Program Management for Executives and Practitioners should be on your must read list. In my 15 years of project and program management experience I have yet to find a book which has addressed the subject from such a global perspective. The author Michel Thiry does an excellent job at bringing together and addressing the various standards available in the industry, where they fit, compliment and merge (MSP, The Standard for Program Management, P2M). The supporting case studies also confirm how the practices outlined are truly internationally applicable. Most importantly he has provided a roadmap to assist both novice and experienced skill levels alike.
Program Management
7 Dec 2010
Format:Paperback
The methodology described in Competitive Program Management provides executives with the means to more clearly define and achieve their strategic objectives and increase the benefits to the entire organization. It is the link between strategy formulation and flawless execution.
Practitioners, academics and consultants across the globe in a variety of business sectors and public institutions are grappling with the phenomenon of program management. Competitive Program Management provides breakthrough thinking and enlightening insights on this important topic for the modern organisation.
Program leaders need a more comprehensive set of competencies, and different methods and tools to help them be successful. Competitive Program Management presents and discusses a detailed understanding along with examples of how to determine and manage the benefits side of the program management equation.
Senior leaders, project sponsors, program leaders, business strategists and the project community in general will find in Competitive Program Management plenty of practical ideas and advice that will quickly improve the way they all do their jobs and provide sustainable benefits and higher performance for their organisations.
Practitioners, academics and consultants across the globe in a variety of business sectors and public institutions are grappling with the phenomenon of program management. Competitive Program Management provides breakthrough thinking and enlightening insights on this important topic for the modern organisation.
Program leaders need a more comprehensive set of competencies, and different methods and tools to help them be successful. Competitive Program Management presents and discusses a detailed understanding along with examples of how to determine and manage the benefits side of the program management equation.
Senior leaders, project sponsors, program leaders, business strategists and the project community in general will find in Competitive Program Management plenty of practical ideas and advice that will quickly improve the way they all do their jobs and provide sustainable benefits and higher performance for their organisations.
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