Program Management

Michel Thiry is founder and managing partner of Valense Ltd, an international consultancy and Education Network and PMI Global Registered Education Provider (REP). He has over 35 years worldwide professional experience, has worked in many cultural environments, and is recognized as a worldwide authority in strategic applications of project, program and value. He is a regular keynote speaker for major international events and has written and lectured widely in international forums, both at the academic and practice levels. In addition to his book Value Management Practice, published by the PMI, he has written a number of chapters in prominent PM books like the Gower Handbook of Project Management and the Wiley Guide to Managing Projects. Michel has an MSc in Organizational Behaviour with the School of Management and Organizational Behaviour at the University of London and is currently pursuing a PhD at Middlesex University. Michel is a Fellow of both the PMI and of the Association for Project Management. In 2008, he was awarded a Life Achievement Award by the Canadian Society of Value Analysis.

• 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.

’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