Part II: Framework and Process
This section provides the detailed process framework for IT Portfolio Management, covering the complete lifecycle from demand intake through benefits realization.
What You’ll Learn
Part II transforms the conceptual foundation from Part I into actionable processes. Understanding the “what” and “why” of portfolio management is necessary but not sufficient—organizations must also master the “how.” This section provides the detailed process activities, decision frameworks, and optimization techniques that enable effective portfolio management.
The stage-gate investment lifecycle ensures investments are properly evaluated at each decision point. The scoring and prioritization framework enables objective, data-driven decisions. Portfolio balancing techniques ensure resources are allocated appropriately across strategic categories.
Chapters in This Part
Chapter 4: Process Overview
Provides a comprehensive view of the end-to-end portfolio management process. This chapter maps the six core process activities—demand management, portfolio definition, portfolio analysis, portfolio optimization, portfolio governance, and portfolio monitoring—and explains how they work together.
Chapter 5: Investment Lifecycle
Details the stage-gate investment process that governs IT investments from idea through benefits realization. This chapter defines the seven gates, explains the criteria and deliverables required at each gate, and describes the decision options available to governance bodies.
Chapter 6: Prioritization and Scoring
Establishes the framework for objective investment evaluation. This chapter defines scoring dimensions for business value, risk, and cost, explains how to calculate priority scores, and provides guidance for conducting effective scoring sessions.
Chapter 7: Portfolio Balancing
Explains how to optimize portfolio composition across multiple dimensions. This chapter covers strategic balance, risk balance, timeline balance, and resource balance, and provides guidance for portfolio rationalization when imbalances exist.