A GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS

Used effectively, project management can increase a firm's market share, product quality, and customer satisfaction. Though technology-based companies place themselves at a competitive disadvantage if they neglect this strategic tool, many overlook project management's benefits because they see themselves as continuously adapting organizations. In reality, this role makes project management even more vital.

Managing Technology-Based Projects imparts the latest approaches and tools essential to lead a successful technology-based project. It outlines the practical integration of project management with four key areas: strategic alignment of projects within the enterprise, the project management process and its organizational support system, invaluable tools and techniques, and the individual and group leadership within a project's organization. Complete with examples of industrial applications, the book includes:

* Methods for defining key performance indicators and assessing project management process effectiveness

* Suggestions for fine-tuning and continuous improvement

* Practical case scenarios, discussion topics, end-of-chapter reviews, and exercises

* Attention to project management as it applies to a globalized business

No one in a managerial role should be without Thamhain's expert advice. This guidebook is your road map to successfully incorporating enterprise project management into technology-based work.

HANS J. THAMHAIN is Professor of Management and Director
of the Technology and Project Management Programs at Bentley
College. With experience in high-technology management positions at
GTE/Verizon, General Electric, Westinghouse, and ITT, he has
authored more than seventy research papers and seven professional
reference books on project and technology management.

A GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS

Used effectively, project management can increase a firm's market share, product quality, and customer satisfaction. Though technology-based companies place themselves at a competitive disadvantage if they neglect this strategic tool, many overlook project management's benefits because they see themselves as continuously adapting organizations. In reality, this role makes project management even more vital.

Managing Technology-Based Projects imparts the latest approaches and tools essential to lead a successful technology-based project. It outlines the practical integration of project management with four key areas: strategic alignment of projects within the enterprise, the project management process and its organizational support system, invaluable tools and techniques, and the individual and group leadership within a project's organization. Complete with examples of industrial applications, the book includes:

• Methods for defining key performance indicators and assessing project management process effectiveness
• Suggestions for fine-tuning and continuous improvement
• Practical case scenarios, discussion topics, end-of-chapter reviews, and exercises
• Attention to project management as it applies to a globalized business

No one in a managerial role should be without Thamhain's expert advice. This guidebook is your road map to successfully incorporating enterprise project management into technology-based work.

Preface xiii

1 Challenges of Managing Projects in a Technology World 1

Apple iPhone 5 1

1.1 Project Management in a Changing World: Challenges and Opportunities 2

1.2 Global Dimensions 2

1.3 Project Deserve Special Attention within the Enterprise 3

1.4 The Unique Nature of Technology Projects 4

1.5 Evolution and Growth of Project Management and Technology 11

1.6 Where Are We Heading? 15

1.7 Key Points, Lessons, and Conclusions 16

1.8 Questions for Discussion and Exercises 17

1.9 PMBOK® References and Connections 17

Internet Links and Resources 18

References and Additional Readings 18

2 Contemporary Project Management: Concepts and Principles 19

Amazon 19

2.1 The Big Picture: The Art of Managing Projects 20

2.2 Project Management Defined 21

2.3 The Project Life Cycle (PLC) 22

2.4 Programs, Projects, Tasks, and Committees 24

2.5 The Role of the Project Manager 27

2.6 Classification of Projects 28

2.7 Project Management Standards and Guidelines 30

2.8 Key Points, Lessons, and Conclusions 36

2.9 Questions for Discussion and Exercises 36

2.10 PMBOK® References and Connections 37

Internet Links and Resources 37

References and Additional Readings 37

3 The Effective Project Manager: Skills, Values and Agility 39

Project Management Skills Emphasized in PMI's Annual Report 39

3.1 Project-based Organizational Cultures and Values 39

3.2 Measuring Managerial Performance 40

3.3 Skill Requirements for Managing Technology Projects 43

3.4 How Learnable Are These Skills? 48

3.5 Transitioning from Individual Contributor to Project Management 48

3.6 Implications for Senior Management 50

3.7 Summary of Key Points and Conclusions 54

3.8 Questions for Discussion 55

3.9 PMBOK® References and Connections 56

Internet Links and Resources 56

References and Additional Readings 56

4 Aligning Projects with the Enterprise 59

Summer Olympics, 2016 in Rio. 59

4.1 Making the Case for Enterprise Project Management 60

4.2 Connecting with the Existing Strategy Framework 62

4.3 Project Portfolio Management (PPM) 64

4.4 Strategic Project Leadership 65

4.5 Where Are We Heading? 67

4.6 Summary of Key Points and Conclusions 70

4.7 Questions for Discussion 70

4.8 PMBOK® References and Connections 71

Internet Links and Resources 71

References and Additional Readings 71

5 Understanding Project Organizations 73

General Motors, Shanghai 73

5.1 Today's Business Processes Require Flexibility, Speed, and Efficiency 74

5.2 Why Do We Need to Organize Differently to Manage Projects? 75

5.3 Organizational Layers and Subsystems 76

5.4 Organizational Designs for Project Management 78

5.5 Managerial Perspective 89

5.6 Building the Project Organization 91

5.7 Working Effectively in Resource-Shared Environments 97

5.8 Summary of Key Points and Conclusions 97

5.9 Questions for Discussions and Exercises 98

5.10 PMBOK® References and Connections 99

Internet Links and Resources 99

References and Additional Readings 99

6 The Project Management Office 102

IBM Wins PMO of the Year Award 102

6.1 Management Perspective 103

6.2 PMO Concept and Functionality 104

6.3 Reason for Establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) 110

6.4 Establishing a Project Management Office 116

6.5 A Final Note 122

6.6 Summary of Key Points and Conclusions 122

6.7 Questions for Discussion 123

6.8 PMBOK® References and Connections 124

Internet Links and Resources 124

References and Additional Readings ...