MANAGEMENT YOGI: Portfolio Management: Top 10 Things to Know About A Portfolio Roadmap (Part

In the earlier post, we checked the top five points (and utilities) of a portfolio roadmap. They are:

Graphical representation of all elements
Internal and external dependencies
High-level prioritization mapping
Chronological mapping of the components
Progress of components

You can read the content in the below link:

Portfolio Roadmap – Top Ten Things to Know (Part – 1)

In this part, we will know the next five top points (and utilities) of a portfolio roadmap.

Key Point # 6: A portfolio roadmap can show the significant events in a portfolio, which are the milestones.

A milestone is a significant event in the portfolio life cycle. Referencing the Standard for Portfolio Management from PMI, one can say that the milestones are the list of key deliverables and decision points for all components. These are usually consolidated to show the outcomes expected by the portfolio over time. This can also be called Portfolio Milestones or Portfolio Milestone List.

These milestones can be shown in the portfolio roadmap. If you are using a portfolio management software, these can be created in a matter of seconds.

Key Point # 7: The sequencing of the components can be shown with a portfolio roadmap.

The portfolio roadmap not only shows the chronological view of the components, but also the sequencing, i.e., which component will come after what. The below figure shows exactly that. This point is an offshoot of the key point # 2.

As shown above, there is a sequencing (dependencies) between the component Project D and component Project E.

Key Point # 8: Repeated adaptations in a portfolio can be shown dynamically in a portfolio roadmap.

Unlike project management, where we have the concept of progressive elaboration, in portfolio management, we have repeated adaptations. In a portfolio, the changes are normal occurrences. If the change is significant, then the portfolio documents are revisited to ensure continued alignment with organizational strategy and objectives.

For example, let’s say a new component has been added into the portfolio. For this purpose, you have to (re)evaluate, prioritize and authorize the component. This new component can be dynamically reflected in the portfolio roadmap.

In fact, the portfolio roadmap is used in governance processes to initiate new components.

Key Point # 9: With the right software tool, you can filter, group, and highlight various components in a portfolio roadmap.

Let’s say some of the components are not progressing as expected or some components are deactivated or even terminated.

Their corresponding representations can be shown in the portfolio roadmap. One can group (completed components vs. incomplete components), filter (e.g., only program components) or highlight (e.g., deactivated components).

Key Point # 10: A portfolio roadmap is and can be used as an excellent communication tool.

In the beginning, I wrote that a portfolio is an effective communication tool because of its visual nature.

In portfolio management, you have to filter out the data/information and bring out the reports which gives real value for the governance team, external vendors and other key stakeholders. A portfolio roadmap can be part of the blogs, dashboards, and newsletters to communicate the portfolio status.

Video: Top Ten Points – Portfolio Roadmap

For a quick and clear understanding, I've prepared a video [Duration - 6m: 44s] in support of these two-part article series for Portfolio Roadmap. You can watch the videos to learn a few more key points!