Whole of enterprise portfolio management: A case study of NSW Government and Sydney Water Corporation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that there is not just a single project portfolio operating within an organisation, but instead there are multiple portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a case study methodology, utilising secondary sources in the form of publically available reports.

Findings

The authors offer a definition of whole of enterprise portfolio management and suggest that this conceptual tool will allow an organisation to control programs and portfolios, particularly, where organizations adapt to emergent situations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is supported through a single case study using secondary data only. Whilst this provides an illustrated example to support a theoretical model, further empirical research is required to determine its applicability in other sectors and organisational contexts.

Practical implications

This paper provides a whole of enterprise portfolio model in the utilities sector and can be applied to many organisations. It also provides a basis for further research.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new perspective on portfolio management, suggesting that the organisation consists of many portfolios that need to be managed in an integrative manner, rather than just the project portfolio be examined and managed in isolation.

Citation

Young, M., Owen, J. and Connor, J. (2011), "Whole of enterprise portfolio management: A case study of NSW Government and Sydney Water Corporation", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 412-435. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538371111144157