Strategic Project Management Made Simple Solution Tools for Leaders and Teams

by Schmidt, Terry

• ISBN13: 9781119718178
• ISBN10: 1119718171
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2021-05-04
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Learn to plan and execute projects in any organization with this practical and insightful resource 

The comprehensively updated and revised edition of Strategic Project Management Made Simple cements this series’ status as the leading resource for anyone looking for step-by-step guidance on project design and action initiatives. 

Written by celebrated management consultant Terry Schmidt, this book fully covers the necessity of systems thinking and the logical framework approach to solve today’s challenging problems. Strategic Project Management Made Simple also includes: 

• An expanded section on turning ideas, problems, and opportunities into projects 
• A newly created chapter on managing your “inner game” to achieve project excellence   
• Fresh case studies that cover how to pivot your business to meet changing needs  
• A new approach, Iterating to Excellence, to create your Minimum Viable Project and produce solutions smoother and faster

Strategic Project Management Made Simple, Revised and Updated is an indispensable volume for leaders and workers seeking to transform their approach to planning, driving, and executing projects in their organizations. 

Author Biography

TERRY DEAN SCHMIDT is an internationally recognized management consultant who assists organizations with strategy, productivity, and profit. He has over 30 years of experience as an executive, educator, and strategy coach helping leaders in 42 countries across the globe turn their strategies into projects that succeed. He is the founder of Seattle-based ManagementPro.com.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part I: Gaining the Strategic Advantage

Chapter 1: Developing Your Strategic Project Mindset   

Why Project Leaders Are Superheroes

Close the Strategy-Execution Gap

Shoot for the Moon

Empower Leaders to Be Strategic

Preview the Solution Tools

Review Key Points

Chapter 2: Visualizing Project Strategy  

Make Simple Strategy

The Power of Causal Logic

Organize Objectives into Trees

Illuminate Multiple Solution Paths

Develop Your Own Objectives Tree

Review Key Points

Chapter 3: Speaking a Common Language          

Communicate with Clarity

Set Clear Objectives

Communicate in Words and Diagrams

Simple Project Logic and the Strategic Hypotheses

How Projects Deliver Benefits

Turn a Problem into Objectives

Review Key Points

Chapter 4: Exploring the Logical Framework Approach  

Equip Leaders with Practical Tools

Examine the LogFrame Structure and Questions

How a Stalled Team Finally Got Going

Reduce Risks Before They Strike

Think from Multiple Perspectives

The Managing Enterprise-Wide Change Case Study

Review Key Points

Part II: Mastering the Four Critical Strategic Questions  

Chapter 5: Question #1—What Results Are We Aiming to Achieve and Why?

Let’s Go to the Moon!

Start with the Big Why

Sharpen Your Project Design Hypothesis

Review These Project Designs

Review Key Points

Apply Step #1

Chapter 6: Question #2—How Do We Measure Success?

Measure What Matters Most

Determine How to Verify

Use Measures to Choose Among Alternative Approaches

Special Types of Measures

The Winning the Peace After Winning the War Case Study

Review Key Points

Apply Step #2

Chapter 7: Question #3—What Other Conditions Must Exist?     

Spot Trouble Before It Strikes

Evaluate Assumptions in Three Steps

The Battling the Asian Gypsy Moth Invasion Case Study

Turn Objectives Trees into LogFrame Plans

Review Key Points

Apply Step #3

Chapter 8: Question #4—How Do We Get There?

Build It Big

Gateway to Multiple Execution Tools

Decide Which Lifecycle Fits Best

Manage the Ongoing Strategic Action Cycle

Keep Your Project on Track

Review Key Points

Apply Step #4

Part III: Putting These Concepts into Practice

Chapter 9: Getting Your Project Off the Ground

Move from Storming to Performing

Prepare for a Productive Project Launch

Conduct a Project Design Workshop

Hold a Project Kickoff Meeting

Engage Your Stakeholders Early

Create a High-Performance Culture

Pivot Your Strategy

The Upgrading Group Performance Case Study

Review Key Points

Chapter 10: Managing Your Inner Game

Leverage Your Internal Operating System

Take Charge of Your Thoughts

Manage Your Emotions

Strengthen Your Courage Muscles

Build Your Emotional Resilience

Manage Your Internal PROJECTS

Review Key Points

Chapter 11: Building Your High-Performing Team

Components of a Stellar Team

Create Engaging Virtual Meetings

The Transforming a Team Through Caring Case Study

Help Others to Become Their Best

Review Key Points

Chapter 12: Managing Your Life Projects

Design Your Future

Craft Your Vision

Develop Your Life Project Portfolio

Commit Yourself to Take Action

Manage Your Dreams and Disappointments

Chart a Proud Life Path

Review Key Points

We Are Here to Support You

Glossary and Usage of Terms

About the Author

Index