Here is the Author’s preface to the Russian Edition
I am truly impressed with Russia rising to the world energy superpower! Russian companies are seeking initiatives globally in many sectors. And, there is a large representation of European and American companies in Russia. Interaction with global companies drives higher standardization in project methodology and practice in Russia. Fast economic growth drives massive urbanization in Russia creating demand for houses, technology and services. Urbanization leads to myriad infrastructure and IT megaprojects.
My book is a bridge between West and East. The book will explain western project management concepts, help standardize project management methodology and practice in Russia, and ensure mega programs and projects execution on time with high profits.
Not only do I have significant experience in program and project management but also an in-depth understanding of the Russian culture. I am originally from Russia, where I grew up, got education, and gained work experience. I worked for Pepsi International Bottlers in Ekaterinburg. Working alongside colleagues from the United States and Europe, I witnessed first-hand how western and Russian business cultures blend, and what are the differences in the program and project management. In the United States I worked for the international companies like Deloitte that operate in Russia. I’m an active member of the Project Management Institute (the PMI) that opened a chapter in Moscow 20 years ago. And, I am actively involved in the Russian community in Washington DC.
My book is instrumental to both companies and persons. Companies will learn how to align programs and projects with the corporate strategy, engage and collaborate with western companies, manage large scale programs and projects, lead geographically dispersed teams and timely execute programs and projects to quickly realize profits.
Program and project managers will advance their expertise, gain knowledge of western program and project management and obtain multiple tools and templates that ensure on time and on budget programs and projects execution.
Russia has always relied on the power of its people. Country’s leaders are investing in human capital, including developing a new generation of program and project management leaders. Four universities in Russia offer master’s degree programs in project management. Many universities offer project management courses. My book will aid in studies and help pass exams which will open new job opportunities and ensure career advancement.
Russia is emerging as a new leader in program and project management and will soon re-shape the world’s vision of mega programs and projects. Established in 1998, PMI Russia has more than five hundred participants. PMI Russia is growing geographically with the main office in Moscow and three branches in Ekaterinburg, Ufa and Chelyabinsk. My book will help study for and successfully pass the PMP (Project Management Professional) and the PgMP (Program Management Professional) exams and ensure better opportunities in the job market at a higher pay.
The book is a manual that can be read from cover to cover or a chapter at a time based on the readers’ needs. It can be used as a desktop manual for the end to end implementation or work in particular areas. The book is laid out in 11 chapters. Presented below are highlights from six out of 11 chapters to illustrate how the book will serve as a bridge between West and East:
What Makes a Successful Program Manager will help Russian readers learn about western program and project management style. In turn, it will ensure successful collaboration with international companies, and productive work with international co-workers and managers. By using this chapter, program and project managers can enhance their professional skills that will translate into successful program and projects executions and broaden professional opportunities.
Program Strategy Alignment provides an in-depth analysis of the programs and projects alignment with the corporate strategy. The reader will learn how to align program and project goals with the company goals. This chapter is equally important for executives and company leaders as well as for middle management. Through program and project strategy alignment, executives will generate higher profits and program and project managers will get promoted by successfully executing their programs and projects.
Stakeholder Engagement describes western stakeholder’s engagement and management which is different from the Russian way. In the US, program and projects are executed using a systematic approach with standardized processes while in Russia, projects tend to be executed less rigidly with ultimate accountability landing on sponsors and executives. The readers doing business with the western companies need to learn how to engage effectively western customers in the decision-making process. This can be done by learning western methodology of successful stakeholders’ engagement outlined in this chapter.
Program Governance and Team Management will help you manage large and geographically dispersed teams. Program and project managers will learn how to engage global teams and ensure that all teams are working toward the same goal. The book is suitable for big organizations with branch companies in different geographical locations and time zones. The book is vital in reducing costs of communication, misalignment and mismanagement.
Program life cycle defines program and project life cycle and its components and outlines what a successful project needs to have. The chapter describes how to start, execute and close a program or a project. One of the main differences between program and project practices in the West and in Russia, is that the Russian tend to focus less on program and project management planning to make it flexible for sudden changes. It is critical to understand the differences between the West and Russia and learn the Western way transferring it into a sustainable program and project.
Program management infrastructure describes program and project budget and schedule. This book will teach how to use Microsoft Project to manage programs and projects with indicators of budgeting and time. Time management is essential for executing program and project with high profits. I know how much Russian people value their time. The book teaches how to manage time efficiently and transform it into lucrative programs and projects.
Irene Didinsky, MBA, PMP
Washington, October 16 2018