"There are project managers and program managers, and then there are mega-program managers ..." That's J. Kent Crawford's description of the "transformational resource" on our Strategy & Projects blog. Best quote:

"Their achievements stand out when they are present. Their lack can be FELT in programs that extend and prolong firefighting as opposed to problem solving."

Read the rest of the interview here.

Program Managers Defined
A great program manager is more than the sum of his (or her) parts, says this article from Project Times.

Tactical or Strategic?
In this article discussing the PMI credential for program managers, Jack Duggal identifies four differentiators between program managers and project managers.

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Establishing a Successful PMO

Newly updated with trends and statistics from The State of the PMO 2012, this white paper discusses the three "value themes" of the successful PMO implementation:

• Recovering troubled projects
• Managing human capital
• Executing strategy.

Download the full white paper here.

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Experienced PMs, Flexible Enough to Meet Your Needs

Program and project management is our business. We can provide you with highly experienced program and project managers with the leadership capabilities you need to successfully guide, manage, and support your high-visibility initiatives.

A few examples of the types of initiatives PM Solutions can help you manage:

• PMO Deployment
• Troubled Project Recovery
• Organizational Change/Transformation
• Process Improvement
• Systems Integration Deployments
• Regulatory Compliance
• Infrastructure Program Management
• Data Center Consolidation
• Cost Reduction Initiatives
• New Product Development
• Vendor Management
• High-Risk Capital Initiatives
• Manufacturing Facility Operations

Whether you require resources long term, short term to help you get a troubled project back on track, or for an interim period while you look to set up an incoming leader for success, PM Solutions has the flexibility and talent to accommodate your resource needs.

Let us revive your poorest performing project, or help take the lead on one that you may not have the internal resources available to run. Our team of expert consultants is ready for the challenge – and has the track record to prove it. Click here to learn more.

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SWOT's New? ... Program or Projects?

Each issue, we explore two sides of a single issue or phenomenon. This month, we focus on the continually evolving definitions of projects and programs.

Five Aspects of Program Management
Lengthy but worthwhile, this article from IBM's DeveloperWorks portal discusses program management in terms of:

• Governance: Defining roles and responsibilities, and providing oversight
• Management: Planning and administering both projects and the overall program
• Financial management: Implementation of specific fiscal practices and controls
• Infrastructure: The program office, technology, and other factors in the work environment supporting the program effort
• Planning: Activities that take place at multiple levels, with different goals.

Note that the author, Michael Hanford, is now a vice president at Gartner. Read the full article here.

On PMHut.com, Fluor VP Robert Prieto provides an excellent chart detailing the contrasts between project and program. Best quote:

"Program management is not just the sum of all project management activities but also includes management of the risks, opportunities and activities that occur “in the white space” between projects."

Read the full article here.

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Related Reading: What Makes a Good Project Manager?

Our classic compendium of articles on identifying and developing project management stars contains information on a wide variety of topics for both the individual project manager (tips on facilitation and nonverbal communication) and those tasked with hiring or mentoring project managers (hiring tips, competencies and skills).

[ Purchase on Amazon.com ]

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Below is a list of current job opportunities available with PM Solutions. Click on the title to view more details and learn how to apply.

• Key Program & Project Manager Roles for Windows Migration
• Managing Consultant w/PMO Portfolio Process & Program
• Project Controls
• Sr. Business & Process Analysts

Bookmark our Careers Page and check our active listings regularly. Better yet, if you want to be routinely considered for project-based assignments as they arise, submit your resume so we have it on file to match against our evolving needs.

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