Program Management: (Fundamentals of Project Management)

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. The Second Edition of Michel Thiry’s Program Management builds on the bestselling title first published in 2010. The heavily revised text reflects the latest program management guides and international standards and includes: a new section on agile management in programs; the author’s own program management maturity measure; a new section on change management, which is now integral to many programs. Michel has also reviewed and revised the program lifecycle to align with the more unified view of program management that has emerged since the book was first published. The result is an essential guide to program management that incorporates a robust theoretical framework, complemented by examples and advice from one of the world’s leading practitioners.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; Introduction; Executive summary. Part I The Program Context: Background and definitions; Organizational context; Program context. Part II The Program Constituents: Key program functions; Program actors. Part III The Program Life Cycle: Program life cycle outline; Program definition (formulation); Program definition (preparation); Program deployment (capabilities delivery and transition); Program deployment (capabilities integration and benefits appraisal); Program closure. Conclusion; References; Index.

About the Author :
Michel Thiry has an extensive worldwide experience and has worked in many cultural environments. He specialises in strategic applications of project, program and value at organizational level and has supported the development and implementation of a number of strategic programs for major corporations in numerous fields. He is a regular keynote speaker for major international events, both at the academic and practice levels. In 2013, the PMI(R) published the new edition of his book A Framework for Value Management Practice. He has written a number of book chapters in prominent PM books including known standards. Michel has obtained an MSc in Organizational Behaviour with the School of Management and Organizational Behaviour at the University of London and a PhD on the Contextualisation of Project Organizations at Middlesex University. In 2006 he was elected PMI Fellow, in 2008, he was awarded a Life Achievement Award by the Canadian Society of Value Analysis and in 2014 he was awarded the PMI Eric Jenett Project Management Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to the practice of the profession for his work on program management.

Review :
’Thiry’s revised landmark work embraces many important changes. He takes a broad and in-depth view of multiple professional standards, explaining pragmatically the essence of key focus areas, for executives, managers, and students alike, on how to lead, step-by-step, successful program outcomes. This is essential reading for those moving from narrow technical to broader leadership skills, critical to value-driven organisations under pressure to deliver better strategies through program management.’ Chris Stevens, Principal, Project Standards and Practice, NBN Co, Australia; member of PMI’s Standards Members Advisory Group ’Already a cornerstone in the library of important industry publications, the first edition of Program Management by Dr Michel Thiry broke new ground in 2010 by providing a clearly understandable and practical context for sifting through an assortment of conflicting and sometimes competing views about the application of program management in organizations. In many ways, the first edition was a catalyst for many of the advances in program management practice we recognize and enjoy today. This second edition reflects the deep understanding Dr Thiry has gained since the first publication through careful observation, critical thinking, and the art and science of hard-won experience. This latest update by one of the industry’s foremost thought leaders reveals an awareness of the critically important role program management now plays in organizations large and small for the delivery of key strategic benefits and real, measurable value in an increasingly complex, fast-paced, unpredictable and continually evolving (shall we say... agile) business environment. The second edition is destined to take its place as a frequently referenced, often quoted, dog-eared and battle-worn guide for the serious program manager. On my bookshelf, it stands next to its heavily marked-up and Post-It-littered brother, the first edition. If the second edition