Why We Wrote the Book

As the Enterprise Portfolio Management Council members continued to learn more about project portfolio management (PPM) from each other over the years since its inception, we discovered a distinct shortage of practical books written to aid those of us practicing the art of PPM. Most of the volumes available on the topic of PPM spoke from an academic point of view, or from some proprietary source selling processes, methodologies, consulting services, and even software programs. Realizing that we were seeing distinct patterns of workable processes amongst ourselves, and encountering similar issues, we began to ask ourselves how we could best help others in our situation. We concluded that we could not be alone in this PPM journey. We bounced around a number of ideas, but the idea of writing a practical book excited the EPMC membership. We came to the conclusion that we could put our ideas into a format that could reach far more people, likely going through some of the same trials and tribulations as each of us in dealing with PPM. We decided to write a book about what we have learned in a clear and practical style that could communicate to many others some of the sound practices we have found to work, and to help avoid some of the difficulties we have learned about the hard way.

The next step, of course, was to ask for volunteers to actually determine what to specifically write about and then to actually complete a manuscript. In the end, ten of us decided it was something we indeed were willing to put the effort in to so a book could come to life. Starting with a blank sheet of paper is daunting for any writer. We decided to form subteams to do some legwork and prepare an outline for consideration. The task worked best using a technique called, among other things, a concept map. We converted the map into an outline with suggested topics. Next, of course, came the question of who would write which chapters. Again, volunteering worked to make the assignments. So, off we went. . . and soon had in hand several chapters in draft form. But, guess what, the styles were all different. Some of us wrote in an academic style, others wrote in a conversational style, and still others wrote in a narrative, or story, style. Now, which one should we choose? Good question!!

At this point we brought in an experienced editor for guidance and assistance. The group could not decide exactly which style to pursue, so the editor packaged up some samples from the three different styles and pulsed the publishing community. As it turned out, the package was quickly picked up by John Wiley & Sons, who sent it out to some independent assessors for review and comment. The result of the reviews told us that a conversational style and a narrative, or story, style were the most popular. We toyed with the idea of doing two books, but decided instead to write one book incorporating both styles!

The book starts with a brief introduction to the major concepts of PPM in a conversational style. The next six chapters explore the world of PPM through a story from the perspective of the central character, a relatively new portfolio manager. Through the course of his travails, the manager discovers some new concepts about PPM. The next five chapters of the book go back to a conversational style to expand on the points brought out about PPM in the story. The final chapter of the book catches up with our now wiser portfolio manager as he looks back over the past year and ponders what lies ahead.

We all enjoyed writing this book together and hope you gain a better understanding of PPM and pick up some helpful tips and guidance to use as you travel on your own PPM journey!

—The EPMC 10

Michael Gosnear

Stephen Jenner

Mike Mee

Michael M. Menke

Diane D. Miller

San Retna

Mark Stabler

Michael J. Stratton

Sarma Tekumalla

Mark Wybraniec