A Framework for Project Portfolio Strategic Planning by Utilizing Thematic Analysis Method

As project portfolio strategic planning (PPSP) is a strategic action in project-based organizations, its execution needs to be followed by structured stages. Via identifying the effective elements on (PPSP), especially the missed elements in previous models, the present study aimed to propose a step-based framework for execution.

This research utilized thematic analysis to identify the related themes from the literature. The themes were then analyzed by forming a thematic network. Next, by conducting interviews with 12 selected experts, using the snowball method, the obtained findings were reviewed and verified by the Delphi process. A framework for PPSP was developed based on the organizing themes and again verified by experts, repeating the Delphi process. The process was eventually completed by presenting a framework.

This study identified 12 basic themes, 4 organizing themes, and one global theme for PPSP. Based on the organizing themes, key elements of PPSP included: 1) Necessity of scenario-based approach in PPSP, 2) Determining divergent visions for future of portfolios, 3) Drawing the portfolio changes path from past to present and future in the form of a roadmap, and 4) Monitoring and analyzing both changes in scenarios and portfolio status simultaneously as a basis for portfolio preplanning.

Based on the key elements of PPSP and other findings of this research a "conceptual", "process-based" and "descriptive-prescriptive" framework for PPSP was offered and its conduction was explained in six steps: 1) Documenting project portfolio history, 2) Documenting project portfolio current status, 3) Determining project portfolio visions in different scenarios, 4) Preparing a roadmap to move from current status towards vision status, 5) Assessing realization of scenarios, and 6) Monitoring, analyzing, and preplanning the portfolio.