1st Edition

Successful Program Management Complexity Theory, Communication, and Leadership

By Wanda Curlee, Robert Lee Gordon Copyright 2014
    246 Pages 60 B/W Illustrations
    by Auerbach Publications

    Complexity theory is a great, untapped resource in the field of management. Experts agree that it can be a powerful tool for managing complex and virtual programs, but there is little material available to guide program managers on how to use complexity theory to communicate and lead effectively.

    Filling this void, Successful Program Management: Complexity Theory, Communication, and Leadership identifies the best leadership types for complex program environments. It goes beyond what is currently available in program management standards to outline powerful solutions to the macro and micro program issues facing program managers.

    Using language that is easy to understand, the book describes practical complexity theory techniques for establishing clear and effective communications in a virtual environment. It explains what it takes to communicate strategically to all parties involved and addresses the communication issues common to most programs, including stakeholder communication, project team communication, and shareholder communication.

    The information presented in this book is supported by peer review research. Each section includes a case study, section quiz, and discussion questions to reinforce learning. The book includes numerous tools, templates, and techniques that can be helpful to the seasoned program manager as well as program managers who are leading for the first time.

    Clarifying the nuances of complexity theory, the text will help you focus your strategic energies on the right things and arm you and your team with the skills, tools, and techniques needed to succeed in today’s program environment.

    Introduction
    History of Complexity Theory
    Complexity Theory Demystified
         Practical Application One
         Practical Tool One
         Practical Application Two
         Application Tool Two
         Practical Application Three
         Application Tool Three
         Practical Application Four
         Application Tool Four
         Practical Application Five
         Practical Tool Five
    Overview of Program Management
    History of Program Management

    Complexity Theory
    Application of Complexity Theory to Program Management
    Complexity Sub-Theories
         History of Chaos Theory and Complexity
         Evolution of Chaos Theory to Complexity Theory
         How Complexity Theory Is Used Today in Program Management
    Successful Deployment of Complexity Theory

    Course Materials #1
    Classroom Materials
         Case Study #1—Leadership, Communication, Complexity
         Case Study Questions
    Section Quiz
         Section 1
         Section 2
         Section 3
    Discussion Questions
         Short Discussion Questions
         Long Discussion Questions
    Summary

    Leadership in Program Management
    Introduction to Leadership
         Early Leadership
         Industrial Leadership
         Modern Leadership
         Post-Modern Leadership
    Transformational Leadership
         Vision
         Values
         Voice
         Transformational Leadership and Teams

    Leadership and Program Management
    Mega-Program Leadership
         Virtual Program Management Office (VPMO) Best Practices: Scope Management
         VPMO Building and Maintaining Trust Best Practice
         VPMO Positive Effective Organizational Communication Best Practice
         VPMO Summary
         Complexity Theory Best Practices: Schedule Management
         Complexity Leadership Best Practice
         Complexity Theory Showing Results Best Practice
         Complexity Theory Summary

    Complexity and Program Management
    Leadership and Complexity
    Program Management Leadership

    Course Materials #2
    Classroom Materials
         Case Study #2—Building and Leading Successful Organizations
    Section Quiz
         Section 1
         Section 2
         Section 3
    Discussion Questions
         Short Discussion Questions
         Long Discussion Questions
    Summary

    Communication and Program Management
    Introduction to Communication
         Communication Summary
         Virtual Organization
         Why Companies Are Going Virtual
         Building Trust in the Virtual Organization
         Trust and Communication
         Trust and Change in the Virtual Organization
         Leadership, Competency, Technology
         Strategies of Successful Program Managers

    Technology-Based Communication, Complexity, and Program Management
    Technology-Based Communication
         Social Networks
         Leveraging Social Networking Sites
         Trust and Accountability
         Social Teams and Complexity
    Communication and Complexity
         Trust in Complex Communication
         Benefits and Challenges of the Virtual Organization
    Summary

    Course Materials #3
    Classroom Materials
         Case Study #3—Communication in Program Management
         Case Study Questions
    Section Quiz
         Section 1
         Section 2
         Section 3
    Discussion Questions
         Short Discussion Questions
    Summary

    Complexity-Based Program Management
    Application of Program Management and Complexity

    Applied Complexity and Program Management
    Integrating Technology into Program Management
    Program versus Constituent Communication and Complexity Theory

    Successful Program Management and Complexity
    Introduction
         Returns Best Practice
         Reclaimed Goods Best Practice
    Summary of Reverse Logistics and Program Management

    Course Materials #4
    Classroom Materials
         Case Study #4
         Case Study Questions
    Section Quiz
         Section 1
         Section 2
         Section 3
    Discussion Questions
         Short Discussion Questions

    The Future of Program Management and Complexity
    Complexity Theory and Communications
    Complexity Theory and Program Management

    Advancing the Future of Program Management
    Integration of Program Management, Complexity, and Communication
         Introduction
         Complexity to Support the Buildup of People, Materials, and Equipment
         Abandonment of Traditional Hierarchical Communication
         Example of How Complexity Was Deployed to Replace Traditional Communication
         Local Deployment of an Incident Communication Center
         The New Communication Model at BP
         Risk Management, Communication, and Complexity
         Conclusion
    Applying Future Technologies
    Advancing Complexity

    Course Materials #5
    Classroom Materials
         Case Study #5—The Future of Program Management and Complexity
    Section Quiz
         Section 1
         Section 2
         Section 3
    Discussion Questions
         Short Discussion Questions
    References

    Index

    Biography

    Wanda Curlee, Robert Lee Gordon