Portfolio management - helping plot a strategic pathway in a complex world

Todays world depends on inter-connectivity as were regularly reminded by experts; the ever-advancing progress of technology, alongside population-related pressures on resources and environmental consequences.

This creates a continuous challenge for organisations when planning for the future. Most organisations try and look ahead by developing a robust strategic plan. But what kind of inter-connected thinking should be used in both the design and delivery of such a plan?

Answers may be found in using portfolio management (PfM) as a thinking tool. In the world of change management PfM generally refers to the co-ordination, in one way or another, of projects and programmes to optimise aggregate outcomes and benefits.

Strategy is normally driven by leaders, seeking long-term goals, who have to think through the consequences of their ideas on a range of stakeholders. The disciplines of PfM can play an important role right at the centre of this process. Its more than just a set of processes, and should be viewed as an approach for working through all aspects of change, from the highest and broadest perspectives to the lowest and narrowest.

Executives and leaders across all organisations should consider harnessing PfM to help them think about the direction of change to take, consider the options for reaching their destination(s), get the balance right and optimise a path through our increasingly complex world.