Metrics in Portfolio management
Contents |
Abstract
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), a metric is a description of a project or product attribute and how to measure it. It is, indeed, a quantitative measure of performance or outcome that provides a basis for comparison, evaluation, or improvement [1].
Peter Drucker famously said, "if you can not measure it, you can not improve it". However, it is not enough just to measure. The ultimate purpose of metrics is, as well, to provide the right information to the right person at the right time, using the correct media and in a cost-effective manner [2]. Notably, building effective metrics is extremely relevant when it comes to decision making at all levels of a company, project or portfolio. Thereby, knowing specifically what to measure when it comes to portfolio management is a must to ensure the future of the organization.
One the other hand, it is relevant to note that advances in project metrics have been rapid, but advances in portfolio metrics have been slow because not all companies maintain a project management office (PMO) dedicated to portfolio management activities. This leads to changes in the role of the project manager, the metrics used, and the dashboard displays [2].
The purpose of this article is to describe the type of metrics needed to evaluate Portfolio performance and outline their differences from the well-known metrics to measure Project performance. Firstly, this article will focus on introducing to general terms. Secondly, the relevant role of the portfolio management will be highlighted. Hereafter, what is needed to create an effective metric will take part in this essay. Lastly, different useful metrics and techniques for portfolio management will be listed and explain in detail.
General terms
Roles and responsibilities of a portfolio management PMO
The PMO generally establishes the metrics needed to validate the performance of the overall portfolio of projects.
Effective metrics
Value based metrics vs. Traditional metrics
"Project Management Metrics, KPIs, and Dashboards" by Harold Kerzner [2] highlights the key differences between traditional metrics and value-based metrics and explains how each type of metric can be useful. It is argues that traditional metrics are useful for tracking project performance and ensuring that it is completed within the constraints of the triple constraint model (i.e. time, cost, and scope) or . However, these metrics may not necessarily provide a comprehensive view of the project's overall value to the organization.
Defining success on a project has never been an easy task. The focus has always been the triple constraints (see Iron triangle-link). Today, it is acknowledged that there are four cornerstones for success, where success is defined in terms of value that is expected.
