Linking Project Management to Business Strategy

In Linking Project Management to Business Strategy, researchers were guided by the hypothesis: If projects are successful in aligning their efforts with the business strategy, they will better contribute to the long-term goals of the organization. Strategic alignment is a two-way process. Overall business strategy informs project planning and in turn, project success impacts enterprise success. Strategic alignment of a project takes into account strategic focus, operational efficiency and team leadership. The extent to which a project is focused on each dimension determines the level of “strategic maturity” for a given project. Research has shown that higher levels of strategic maturity are associated with higher levels of project success.

Strategic alignment is a two-way process. Overall business strategy informs project planning and in turn, project success impacts enterprise success. Strategic alignment of a project takes into account strategic focus, operational efficiency and team leadership. The extent to which a project is focused on each dimension determines the level of "strategic maturity" for a given project. Research has shown that higher levels of strategic maturity are associated with higher levels of project success.

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

II. Strategic Project Leadership Toward a Strategic Project Management Approach

III. A Theoretical Framework for Aligning Project Management with Business Strategy

IV. Project Strategy--The Missing Link

V. Project Spirit: The Building Blocks of Inspiration

VI. Project Success--A Multidimensional Strategic Concept

VII. A Two Way Influence Between Business Strategy and Project Management

VIII. Why Different Projects Need Different Strategies

IX. Critical Success Factors for R&D Projects and the Role of Strategic Alignment

X. Managing Project Risk: An Enterprise Alignment Perspective

XI. The Power of Strategic Focus

XII. Does Strategic Alignment Contribute to Business Success

XIII. What Makes Great Strategic Projects