Despite the organizational value that project management has enabled global companies to realize, executives often fail to support project initiatives. Without such support, projects usually fail. This paper discusses an approach practitioners can use to convince executives that project management is a necessary, value-enhancing practice. In doing so, it expands the phase-one findings of a two-phase, PMI sponsored study, findings previously published in PM Network (January 2001). Like the 2001 report, this paper identifies arguments that can help project managers demonstrate to executives the organizational value of project management. It first details a framework--distilled from a literature review--for selling project management to executives; it then analyzes the findings of interviews with 25 project professionals, findings which focus on the organizational value of project management. From this, it explains the traditional process of selling project management and analyzes the problems of using the traditional process, depicting in illustrations the common decision process of buying project management and the buying and selling relationship in organizations. It concludes by suggesting a reason why project managers often fail in their sales presentations and by summarizing phase one's findings, which focused on outlining the factors that could help project managers introduce the practice into their organization.

Project Managers as Senior Executives maps out a model for advancement for program and project managers and contributes new thinking on the emerging leadership of project managers as senior executives. The research is published in two volumes. Volume I—Research Results, Advancement Model, and Action Proposals presents the results and proposals from the study and Volume 2—How the Research Was Conducted: Methodology, Detailed Findings, and Analyses contains the research-oriented materials from the study.

As project management has evolved and matured, so has the executive's role in project management. To ensure the success of individual projects and the organization as a whole, today's executives are increasingly involved in activities such as capacity planning, portfolio management, prioritization, and strategic planning specifically for project management. In fact, more and more executives are becoming certified Project Management Professionals (PMPs). What Executives Need to Know About Project Management offers executives a guide to project management, focusing on what they need to know and what they need to do. It provides step-by-step guidance to help executives get effective, well-resourced project management teams in place and ensure the success of any individual project. The book begins with basic principles, including a detailed discussion of the three best practices that enable executives to ensure effective project management: Developing an environment where project management is viewed as a profession Securing key personnel for project management positions Creating opportunities for rewards and advancement through successful project management Next, the book explores how executives serve as executive sponsors in project management teams, setting forth solutions to the many problems and challenges they face in this role, including managing disagreements, delegating authority, and accelerating projects. The authors explain how the role of the executive sponsor changes depending upon the life-cycle phase of the project. For example, during the project initiation and planning phases, the sponsor may take on a very active role, ensuring that proper objectives are established and that the project plan satisfies the needs of the business as well as the needs of the client. During the execution phase, the sponsor may take on a less active role; however, the book shows how executive sponsors need to become involved when roadblocks appear, crises occur, and conflicts arise over priorities among projects. Throughout the book, helpful illustrations clarify complex concepts and processes.

This all-inclusive communication guide explains how the project manager can bridge the gap and engage the upper ranks. Senior managers speak the language of strategy. Project managers use the language of tasks and activities. These significantly different communication styles can lead to breakdowns and setbacks at project sites that are difficult to overcome, especially for the project manager. The key to working through this is communication--specifically communicating up. By establishing relationships early on, understanding executives, and keeping them involved, project managers can win the support they need--which will be especially critical when problems arise. Succeeding with Senior Management that covers a wide range of industries explains how project managers can: Navigate the company’s political waters Link the project to the business Provide options and recommendations for major decisions Use the right listening style Involve the sponsor in resolving cross-functional problems Learn how to keep senior management involved with your project, motivated to push obstacles aside, and focused on a successful conclusion. When troubles arise--and they will--you’ll be glad you kept them in the loop.

Despite tremendous growth in the project management profession and substantial proof that the profession has helped increase productivity and bottom line earnings, some senior-level executives are still fighting progress. Why is it so difficult to sell project management to senior executives? and How do you get them on board? are the main questions being answered in this pertinent book by Thomas, et al. After years of research, the authors report their findings in Phases I and II of this insightful book.

It's a jungle out there and project managers are fighting to survive....With countless man-hours clocked and billions of dollars spent every year on project tools, the success rate for projects remains astonishingly low. So what's the solution? Introducing TACTILE Management(TM), a people-centric system that works in conjunction with an organization's existing processes. Based on the seven characteristics of high-performance project teams-transparency, accountability, communication, trust, integrity, leadership, and execution-the book shows project managers how to: * Take project teams out of their functional silos and transform them into a powerful, integrated force * Balance the expectations of customers, management, and project teams with the technical requirements of cost, schedule, and performance * Apply practical phase-by-phase project guidance to real-life situations * Avoid or minimize possible pitfalls * And more Every successful project involves someone in the trenches who has the people skills to match process with the capability of his team and organization. This innovative book shows readers how to make the most of their people...and ensure project success.