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This hands-on resource provides a blueprint to set up and run a project office (PO) in R&D environments. Although many of the examples are drawn from the software industry, the concepts presented are widely applicable to pharmaceutical, automotive, and other industries involved in the development of new products.

Running the Successful Hi-Tech Project Office looks at the PO as a line function, responsible for the coordination and the infrastructure necessary to manage multiple projects. The book covers all major PO responsibilities, including project portfolio management, project oversight, methods, and tool support, staffing and competence development, and promotion of the project culture. It explains that the objective of the PO is to complete all projects to best achieve the overall goals of the organization.

This practical book provides guidance in preparing long-term plans to enable appropriate decisions concerning the allocation of resources; overseeing the execution of projects on time and within budget; developing processes and systems to satisfy ever-changing product needs; providing stability, professional development, and administrative efficiency for management and support personnel; and assuring a smooth transition between start-up, execution, and termination phases.

About the Author

Eduardo Miranda is currently a program director at Ericsson Research Canada, Quebec, Canada. He received a B.Sc. in system analysis from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, an M.Eng. in engineering management from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and an M.Sc. in project management from the University of Link ping, Sweden.