Strategic Planning and Project Selection & Approval - Practical Guide

In this review of Strategic Planning and Project Selection & Approval, Dr. Linda P Dowdell presents a clear link between strategic planning and the processes that decide which projects should proceed. This book is for organizational leaders, PMO staff, and program managers who need a practical framework to ensure projects align with strategic goals; the single biggest reason to read it is its focused guidance on the selection and approval steps that prevent projects from delivering little value at completion. The review examines its coverage of strategic planning, approval gates, and the PMO role.

Key Features

• Strategic planning process: Describes essential steps to build a strategy that can guide project choices and reduce misaligned initiatives.
• Project selection and approval: Explains a structured selection and approval process so organizations can choose projects likely to provide value when finished.
• Transition to project life cycles: Shows how approved projects should move into defined project life cycles to maintain oversight and continuity.
• PMO integration: Outlines the important role of the Project Management Office during planning, selection, approval, and throughout project life cycles.
• Practical discipline focus: Concentrates on disciplines that should occur before project initiation to reduce wasted time and resources.

Who It's For

This book best serves executives, PMO leaders, portfolio managers, and senior project sponsors who must connect strategy to execution and improve the odds that projects deliver strategic value. It is particularly useful for organizations struggling with ad hoc project starts or unclear approval gates.

Those seeking step-by-step tools, templates, or in-depth case studies may need supplemental materials; readers wanting an introductory primer on general project management practices rather than strategic alignment should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear emphasis on linking strategy to project selection makes the book a focused reference for alignment issues.
• Detailed description of the selection and approval process provides a repeatable approach for decision makers.
• Coverage of the PMO role helps organizations understand governance and continuity through project life cycles.

Cons

• The book is concentrated on process and disciplines and may not include extensive real-world templates or lengthy case studies for every reader.

Specifications

Title	Strategic Planning and Project Selection & Approval
Author	Dr. Linda P Dowdell
Main topics	Strategic planning; project selection and approval; project life cycles; PMO role
Primary focus	Linking strategy to project approval and life cycles
Audience	PMO staff, executives, program and portfolio managers
Use case	Establishing selection/approval processes before project initiation

Our Verdict

This book is a concise, practical resource for organizations that need to stop starting projects that do not deliver strategic value. It is good value for leaders and PMO professionals who want a clear, process-oriented approach to selection and approval and a stronger bridge into project life cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain how the PMO should be involved?
The book describes the important and essential role of the PMO during strategic planning, selection and approval, and project life cycles.

Will I find templates and tools in the text?
The focus is on disciplines and processes; readers may need supplemental templates or case materials for hands-on implementation.

Is this suitable for executive audiences?
Yes, executives and sponsors will benefit from its emphasis on aligning project approval to strategy.