ABSTRACT
There is an ever-growing range of ‘methods’, ‘standards’ and ‘guides’ dealing with portfolio, programme and project management. It can all get a bit daunting. Organizational approaches to business portfolio management normally fit within the definition of a ‘method’, as they are designed for practical use within a specific organization. Publicly available standards, methods and other sources of best practice are a consensus among the authors of what they agree is important. As such, they do not usually break new ground in terms of thought leadership and tend to lag behind good practice. Standards were first promoted as a way of encouraging trade for buyers to trust that the products on offer are fit for purpose. Standards authorities, like the International Standards Organization, require a standard is formally reviewed at least every five years to check it is still current and relevant.
