Strategic Project Portfolio Management for Executive Leaders Training Course

Course Introduction / Overview:

In today's dynamic business landscape, an organization's long-term success hinges on its ability to strategically select and manage a collection of projects. This is the essence of project portfolio management (PPM). This training course is specifically designed for executive leaders who must align projects with overarching business strategy to maximize return on investment and achieve organizational objectives. The curriculum moves beyond the individual project level, focusing on the techniques and frameworks needed to evaluate, prioritize, and balance a portfolio of projects. Participants will learn how to make data-driven decisions that ensure resources are allocated to the most valuable initiatives. The course is deeply informed by the principles found in the PMI's The Standard for Portfolio Management. A key academic reference is the work of Dr. David P. Slevin, a pioneer in project and portfolio management, whose research provides a strategic lens on linking project outcomes to fiscal health. By integrating Dr. Slevin's strategic insights with practical, executive-level applications, BIG BEN Training Center provides a comprehensive and immersive program. This course will equip leaders with the ability to navigate common project challenges, make informed decisions, and lead their portfolios to successful completion, making it a critical step for anyone looking to advance their career in this field.

Target Audience / This training course is suitable for:

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Operating Officers (COOs).
• Senior executives and board members.
• Directors of institutional departments.
• Heads of Project Management Offices (PMO).
• Portfolio and program managers.
• Strategic planners and business development leaders.
• Anyone responsible for organizational investment decisions.

Target Sectors and Industries:

• Information Technology (IT) and Software Development.
• Financial Services and Banking.
• Manufacturing and Industrial.
• Telecommunications.
• Consulting and Professional Services.
• Government agencies and equivalents.
• All sectors and industries with multiple projects.

Target Organizations Departments:

• Executive Leadership.
• Strategic Planning and Development.
• Project Management Office (PMO).
• Finance and Budgeting.
• Operations.
• Portfolio Management.

Course Offerings:

By the end of this course, the participants will have able to:

• Align project portfolios with corporate strategic objectives.
• Evaluate and prioritize projects based on strategic value and risk.
• Balance the project portfolio to optimize resource allocation.
• Implement governance models for effective portfolio management.
• Monitor and report on the performance of the entire project portfolio.
• Make data-driven decisions to adjust the portfolio in response to market changes.
• Build a culture of strategic project selection and investment.

Course Methodology:

This training course is delivered through a highly interactive and case-study-driven methodology. The program is built around realistic scenarios that simulate the challenges executive leaders face in managing a complex portfolio of projects. Participants will engage in dynamic workshops where they are required to evaluate multiple project proposals, prioritize them based on strategic criteria, and make difficult resource allocation decisions. The curriculum is designed to be highly participatory, utilizing group discussions and peer-to-peer feedback to enhance learning. The instructor will provide expert guidance, leading participants through complex decision-making frameworks and reporting techniques. This immersive approach ensures that participants not only understand the theory of strategic project portfolio management but also gain the practical skills and confidence to apply it immediately within their professional roles. BIG BEN Training Center provides a transformative learning experience that delivers tangible, executive-level expertise.

Course Agenda (Course Units):

Unit One: The Foundations of Portfolio Management.

• Understanding the difference between projects, programs, and portfolios.
• The role of portfolio management in achieving corporate strategy.
• Establishing a governance framework for the project portfolio.
• Defining the portfolio management lifecycle.
• Key metrics for measuring portfolio success.

Unit Two: Strategic Alignment and Prioritization.

• Connecting individual projects to organizational goals.
• Developing strategic criteria for project evaluation.
• Techniques for prioritizing projects in a resource-constrained environment.
• Balancing the portfolio for a mix of high-risk, high-reward, and core projects.
• Making a business case for new projects.

Unit Three: Financial Management and Resource Allocation.

• Financial analysis for portfolio-level decision-making.
• Allocating and optimizing human and financial resources.
• Forecasting cash flow and return on investment (ROI).
• Managing and controlling the portfolio budget.
• Making decisions on when to stop or re-scope projects.

Unit Four: Performance Monitoring and Reporting.

• Implementing dashboards for portfolio-level visibility.
• Using key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor portfolio health.
• Communicating portfolio status to the executive team and board.
• Conducting portfolio reviews and audits.
• Report on strategic alignment and value delivery.

Unit Five: Advanced Portfolio Management and Leadership.

• Managing a portfolio in an agile or hybrid environment.
• Handling change and adapting the portfolio to new business realities.
• Leading portfolio-level decision-making processes.
• Developing a culture of strategic thinking.
• The future of project portfolio management and emerging trends.

FAQ:

Qualifications required for registering to this course?

There are no requirements.

How long is each daily session, and what is the total number of training hours for the course?

This training course spans five days, with daily sessions ranging between 4 to 5 hours, including breaks and interactive activities, bringing the total duration to 20 - 25 training hours.

Something to think about:

How does a robust project portfolio management framework fundamentally shift a company's focus from tactical execution to strategic business growth?

What unique qualities does this course offer compared to other courses?

This training course is distinguished by its exclusive focus on project portfolio management from an executive leadership perspective. While many courses teach project management at a tactical level, our curriculum provides a strategic, C-suite view of how to select and manage a collection of projects to drive a business forward. The unique quality lies in its emphasis on high-level decision-making, including project prioritization, resource optimization, and strategic alignment, rather than individual task management. By integrating frameworks from authoritative sources like the PMI and incorporating insights from academic pioneers like Dr. David P. Slevin, the course provides a robust, evidence-based approach. The curriculum's reliance on immersive case studies and executive-level discussions ensures that participants leave with more than just knowledge; they gain the strategic foresight and decision-making skills required to lead their organizations to new levels of success. This specialized focus makes it an unparalleled offering for senior leaders.