Strategic Project Management Made Simple

Acknowledgments xix
 
Introduction xxi
 
Part I: Gaining the Strategic Advantage
 
Chapter 1: Developing Your Strategic Project Mindset 3
 
What NASA Rule #15 Can Teach Us 4
 
Close the Strategy-to-Execution Gap 5
 
Shoot for the Moon 6
 
Different Contexts But Similar Issues 10
 
Preview the Solution Tools 13
 
Review Key Points 17
 
Coming Up Next 18
 
Chapter 2: Visualizing Project Strategy 19
 
Make Simple Strategy 20
 
The Power of Causal Logic 21
 
Organize Objectives into Trees 24
 
Illuminate Multiple Solution Paths 25
 
Develop Your Own Objectives Tree 28
 
Review Key Points 30
 
Coming Up Next 30
 
Chapter 3: Speaking a Common Language 33
 
Communicate with Clarity 34
 
Set Clear Objectives 35
 
Communicate in Words and Diagrams 37
 
Simple Project Logic and the Strategic Hypotheses 40
 
How Projects Deliver Benefits 42
 
Turn a Problem into Objectives 45
 
Review Key Points 47
 
Coming Up Next 47
 
Chapter 4: Exploring the Logical Framework Approach 49
 
Equip Leaders with Practical Tools 50
 
Examine the LogFrame Structure and Questions 52
 
How a Stalled Team Finally Got Going 55
 
Strengthen Your Project Design 58
 
Think from Multiple Perspectives 60
 
Case Study: Managing Enterprise-Wide Change 62
 
Review Key Points 69
 
Coming Up Next 69
 
Part II: Mastering the Four Critical Strategic Questions
 
Chapter 5: Question #1--What Are We Trying to Accomplish and Why? 73
 
Define and Align Key Objectives 74
 
Let's Go to the Moon! 74
 
Start with the Big Why 79
 
Identify your MVP 82
 
Review These Project Designs 84
 
Review Key Points 88
 
Apply Step #1 88
 
Coming Up Next 89
 
Chapter 6: Question #2--How Do We Measure Success?

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.