The basic premise of Olivier Lazar’s book is his description of the four pillars of Portfolio Management: Organizational Agility, Strategy, Risk, and Resources. Prior to reviewing each of the four pillars, the author introduces and describes the differences between Projects, Programs, and Portfolios. Throughout the book, Olivier consistently contrasted the differences between Projects, Programs, and Portfolios and how they interact with each other.

Overview of Book’s Structure

Chapter 2 provides the context of Portfolio Management. In this chapter, Olivier identifies the following levels: strategic, operational, project, program, and governance layers. This chapter provides a clear explanation of the differences between Projects, Programs, and Portfolios.

Chapters 3, 4, 5, and 6 provide a detailed review and tools for each of the four pillars of Portfolio Management in greater detail: Organizational Agility, Your Organization’s Strategy, Risk, and Resource Demand Planning.

Chapter 7 (Managing Your Portfolio) introduces the Portfolio Roadmap as the essential planning tool for pacing the various components within your portfolio. Olivier stresses the importance of maintaining alignment of the portfolio with the organization’s strategy.

Chapter 8 (Evolution and Future Developments in Portfolio Management) provides a look into the future of how artificial intelligence (AI) will automate many of the project management activities that are usually performed by the PMOs.

Chapter 9 (Conclusion) notes the importance of using our limited human resources in a way that creates real value. How a company treats its human resources and considers them in the value creation process is the true competitive advantage for an organization.

The book provides a table of figures as well as a lexicon of terms the author uses throughout the book. 

...

Read Full Review

Click here for details on the Alamo PMI Book Review Program

Or contact Roger Martin at rodger.L.martin@earthlink.net to get information on how you can participate!