Editorial Review:
Written with the rookie and seasoned veteran in mind, The Handbook of Program Management is the quintessential step by step guide to program management. While both an overview of program management and a presentation of tried and proven project management methods, The Handbook of Program Management also includes intriguing and at times surprising insider stories sure to enrich any program manager. A few of the surprising truth and tips discussed in The Handbook of Program Management include: * Pick your pain. Don't let pain happen haphazardly or at random.
* Create an environment of plagiarism.
* The customer does not need to know everything.
* Kill what's ugly while it is young.
* It is often your best people that make the biggest mistakes.
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Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 
A significant contribution to the important field of program management 2008-08-10
The Handbook of Program Management is a significant and useful contribution to the increasingly important field of program management. It treats the subject from an appropriate perspective, yet is concise, clearly written, and easy to follow.
It is all fairly common to consider programs mainly as "really big projects." While this is not actually incorrect, it does miss the point that most programs are complex systems of interconnected projects. They fail or succeed based on the coordination of the projects, each led by a separate project manager. Due to their size and importance, programs also have complicated, often labyrinthine networks of sponsors and managers. Because of all of this, programs are very much about people. James understands this, and provides a great deal of useful advice on leadership, organization, and (especially) stakeholder management.
The book takes you step-by-step through the basics of setting up the structure necessary for a robust program environment. Where needed, examples and pointers are included, with tips and scenarios throughout the chapters, and the essence of each chapter is boiled down to a useful list of "Keystone" principles at its close.
Great helpful book 2008-04-18
The book is a very useful and pragmatic approach to Program Management. He provides real world examples and guidance for improving your skills. He also does a great job addressing the leadership skills required to be a successful program manager. A highly recommended read for program managers and those aspiring to be one!
Very, very well done 2008-03-30
It is obvious to me that the author spent a lot of time thinking about this book before he started writing it. I bought this book to use as a reference while studying for the PgMP exam and found it to be very helpful for providing another perspective beyond the PMI standard and the exam preparation book that I bought.
For me, the ordering of topics is very logical and the writing is very clear. Where examples are necessary, examples are provided. Where topics are a bit more obscure, Mr. Brown takes the time to provide explanations to help you understand. I really can't find any major faults with this book.
Excellent read with real world insight and advice! 2008-02-18
This book was published in 2008, so the information in it reflects the current state of program management. In his forward, Dr. Brown states that his book will provide "a framework of structured, organized common sense". He observes that it requires "leadership and integrity to repeatedly execute successfully".
He then goes on to provide examples of project characteristics that indicate if there are problems with an organizations program environment. The examples he provides are both clear to understand and described in a way to understand the root issue. He then goes on to provide insight into attributes of an effective program manager, stakeholder management, program process strategy, program execution, communication and risk management. His book is written clearly, with practical examples and with actionable recommendations.
Now that project management methodologies have reached a level of understanding and maturity to provide companies with project managers that are highly effective, the focus needs to shift to the world of program management. Managing portfolios of projects across multiple business lines is extremely challenging and the processes to support these efforts are just emerging. This book is an excellent starting point to benefit from Dr. Brown's research and incorporate some new best practices into your Program management processes.
Common Sense Book on Program Management 2008-01-19
I've read the book from cover to cover and it's a excellent pragmatic book that explains how to manage both small and large programs. I can easily see myself using this as a reference for many years to come especially when I find myself trying to figure out how to handle one of the many of situations the author describes in his book.
The chapter on attributes of an effective Program Manager was really helpful to me as I was in the process of assigning one of my staff as a Program Manager. When I read the simple to understand attributes it really helped me to focus in on who on my staff could do the role. Additionally, it was an excellent guide for my selected Program Manager to use to understand what my expectations of him was.
The chapter that covered stakeholder management was another excellent chapter that I have sense asked all of my Program AND Project managers to read. I did this because it's an excellent chapter on helping the Program and Project Managers to understand what stakeholders REALLY expect of them. Additionally he goes over the types of stakeholders that you can run into and simple yet effective methods to work effective with them. For example he talks about the meddling stakeholder which all Program and Project managers run into. Here he guides you though why they might be meddling, such as they recently got burned by a prior project or there is a distrust with the organization. In these situations he recommends on involving them through many tasks and details. They want to meddle great jump in the mud, roll up your sleeves and help, otherwise step back and let those truly involved in the project get the work done while properly informing all stakeholders.
Over all this book is a really good and easy read.
I expect to be referencing for many years to come!
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