Chapter 10. PPM Design

Design is an interesting word. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (Design 2009), it can function as both a verb and a noun. This fascinating dichotomy actually fits quite well with the idea of Project Portfolio Management design.

Consider first that a verb is deemed an action word. Merriam-Webster states that a verb "expresses an act, occurrence, or mode of being." The dictionary goes on to state that the word design, when used as a verb, means literally "to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan: devise, contrive."

Consider also that a noun is the subject of a verb. The dictionary states that a noun is an "entity, quality, state, action, or concept." In this application, design is defined by Merriam-Webster as: "1a: a particular purpose held in view by an individual or group <he has ambitious designs for his son>; b: deliberate purposive planning <more by accident than design>; 2: a mental project or scheme in which means to an end are laid down."

Putting these two applications of the word design together points out that the design of PPM is essentially a two-fold undertaking. It is an action involving the definition of a company's or organization's purpose and application of that purpose through a plan or mental project to bring about a desired state. PPM design is also about creating, fashioning and devising a process for use in a company or organization. This is just what we will explore in this chapter, but not strictly from a theoretical perspective. We will share our experiences and lessons learned in the real world when designing PPM—in both its verb and its noun usage.