Support Layer Portfolio Management Processes

Dr. Andrew Makar is an IT program manager and is the author of the Microsoft Project Made Easy series. For more project management advice, visit the website TacticalProjectManagement.com.

  Portfolio Management  

The previous article provided a detailed review of the primary processes found in a portfolio management framework. This article examines the support layer processes found in Figure 1.

The support layer includes project management, risk management, financial management and technology architecture management processes to adequately support a portfolio management initiative. The primary processes are supported by this layer as projects and programs initiate and execute across the portfolio.

Project Management

Project Management processes support the Program/Project Execution phase. All aspects of the Initiate, Plan, Execute, Control and Close processes are used to govern the Program Prioritization and Program/Project execution phases. The initiation phase is applied to refine the business case, justify project costs and confirm business value. The remaining phases support the Project/Project execution phases.

As previously discussed, the data derived from the project management processes are used in the application portfolio management process. Project management is a critical support process to the entire portfolio management framework. The processes ensure the portfolio deliverables are properly managed and delivered.

Figure 1: Support Layer Processes

Risk Management

Every program, project and initiative has a degree of risk. …

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