Directing Change 2nd edition is now available [Video]

The APM Governance Specific Interest Group (SIG) launched the 2nd edition of the Directing Change: A Guide to Governance of Project Management at the recent APM Conference. Following the success of the first edition, where over 60,000 copies are in use, the second edition will look to influence directors and others with corporate governance roles to adopt optimal practices regarding the governance of programme and project management activities. This involves aligning the interests of directors, programme and project teams and wider stakeholders.

David Shannon, chairman of the APM Governance SIG, was interviewed at the APM Conference where he explains the main reason for the relaunch was because one of the guides key references, the Combined Code, has been replaced resulting in the appendix being entirely re-written.

David goes on to explain that the 2nd edition has two very senior and influential signatories in Dr. Neville Bain, chairman of the Institute of Directors, and Ian Watmore, who is the permanent secretary in the Cabinet Office and operates as the Governments chief operating officer.

In signing the foreword Neville said: How should organisations oversee the management of projects? This guide provides the answer. The guide explains how good governance requirements apply to the direction and management of your organisations project portfolio, whether in the public, private or third sector. It lists principles which directors or their equivalents should adopt and questions that they should ask. It is short and to the point. It will help improve your corporate performance, reduce shocks at boardroom level and avoid hardship to stakeholders.

Ian, who is also chair of the Major Projects Authority,states: Change is everywhere, and nowadays changes have to be made quickly. Professional guidance can help top management get the best results from change by understanding how to govern project management well. The Directing Change booklet from the Association for Project Management provides such advice in a short and pithy format that is readily useable.

David goes on to say: A lot of people think that our guide, Directing Change, is the most influential guide that APM has produced. It is being used all over the world. We have feedback from its use in the United States and in Australia. We know it is used in Russia and Kazakhstan. Therefore the relaunch is really a major step for the APM.

Directing Change: A Guide to Governance of Project Management is available to order now from our website with APM members getting an exclusive discount. APM members can also download an electronic version completely free of charge.