What is portfolio management? | APM (2024)

Login to add to CPD log
Added to your CPD log

View or edit this activity in your CPD log.

Go to My CPD
Only APM members have access to CPD features Become a member Already added to CPD log

View or edit this activity in your CPD log.

Go to My CPD
Login to bookmark this
Added to your Saved Content Go to my Saved Content

Definition

Portfolio managementis the selection, prioritisation and control of an organisation’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity to deliver.

The goal is to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-­as­-usual, while optimising return on investment.

Definition fromAPM Body ofKnowledge7th edition

Buy APM Body of Knowledge

What is portfolio management? | APM (1)

Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection ofprojectsand/or programmes used to structure and manage investments at an organisational or functional level to optimise strategic benefits or operational efficiency. They can be managed at an organisational or functional level.

Where projects and programmes are focused on deployment of outputs, and outcomes and benefits, respectively, portfolios exist as coordinating structures to support deployment by ensuring the optimal prioritisation of resources to align with strategic intent and achieve best value

To shape the portfolio, the sponsor and portfolio manager seek out visibility of plans of the constituent projects and programmes agree how to reshape those constituent parts depending on:

  • The organisation’s ability to resource the whole portfolio.
  • Any changes to strategic direction or pace of strategic implementation.

In a strategic portfolio, governance may be aligned entirely with corporate governance. Where this is not the case, it is vital to establish clear understanding and buy-in to the portfolio prioritisation process from the executive team. In aportfolio, it is normal for sponsors of projects, to be required to sacrifice their project priorities for the benefit of the wider portfolio.

Watch: What is portfolio management?

This video is hosted by a third party (YouTube.com), you cannot view this video content unless you accept marketing cookies. If the popup doesn't appear, please clear your browser cache and refresh the page.

Portfolio plan

Aportfolio planis a depiction in words and diagrams of what the portfolio comprises, its major dependencies, expected timescales and major deliverables, defining how the portfolio will be managed.

Supporting analyses may include cost and benefit schedules, key risks and major stakeholders.

Portfolio risks

Portfolio risks would typically cover those internal and external events that will impact on the portfolio overall rather than any single project or programme.

They may include such things as resource availability, implementation capacity, investment constraints and regulatory matters.

Portfolio management - A practical guide

This guide illustrates how portfolio management is a key mechanism in enabling an organisation to optimise delivery of its strategic goals, maximising value, and do so in the required time frame.

Buy from bookshop

What is portfolio management? | APM (2)

Related reading

Master strategic goals with portfolio and benefits management

Meeting strategic goals in a consistent and efficient way is extremely valuable... read more.

What is portfolio management? | APM (4)

Projects, programmes and portfolios, so what is the difference?

Portfolio management includes the selection, prioritisation and control of projects and programmes which are aligned with the organisations strategy and objectives... read more.

What is portfolio management? | APM (5)

Is there a difference between portfolio value and portfolio benefits?

At a recent SIG event a delegate asked the above question, which caused a few head itching moments for us committee members... read more.

What is portfolio management? | APM (6)

Engaging senior stakeholders: challenges in portfolio management

As a Master’s student from WMG, University of Warwick my research dissertation focuses on “ Portfolio management – engaging senior stakeholders”... read more.

What is portfolio management? | APM (7)

Agile portfolio management: An empirical perspective on the practice in use

This research examines the application of agile project management to project portfolios within large organisations... read more.

What is portfolio management? | APM (8)

How to reinvent portfolio management: a new framework for prioritising projects

The emergence of projects as the economic engine of our times has been quiet, but is incredibly disruptive and powerful... read more.

APM Portfolio Management Interest Network

The Portfolio Management Interest Network ensures organisations invest in the ‘right’ projects/programmes to support their strategic objectives.

Get involved in the community

APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition

The APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition is a foundational resource providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management. It reflects the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision makers, project professionals and their teams.

Buy from the bookshop

What is portfolio management? | APM (9)

You may also be interested in

What is portfolio management? | APM (10)

APM Learning

The APM Learning portal is an online resource which provides members with access to digital guides, modules and other digital learning resources as part of the membership benefit.

What is portfolio management? | APM (11)

What is ...?

Browse our popular project management 'What is ...?' topics for definitions, quick insights, view related case studies, research, blogs and glossary.

What is portfolio management? | APM (12)

Project Journal

Project – APM's official journal – is circulated quarterly for members only, and online for regularly updated news, blogs, opinions and insights for those in the project community.

What is portfolio management? | APM (13)

APM Community

The APM Community is our online community platform that connects our members faster and easier than ever before.

What is portfolio management? | APM (2024)

FAQs

What is portfolio management? | APM? ›

Portfolio management is the selection, prioritisation and control of an organisation's programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity to deliver. The goal is to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment.

What is portfolio management in simple words? ›

Portfolio management is the art and science of selecting and overseeing a group of investments that meet the long-term financial objectives and risk tolerance of a client, a company, or an institution. Some individuals do their own investment portfolio management.

What is an example of a portfolio management? ›

Examples of Portfolio Management

A retired investor who has a large nest egg probably won't want to take many risks. This investor may invest in blue-chip dividend stocks and bonds for steady cash flow. This strategy involves living off of the cash flow that the assets generate.

What does a portfolio manager do? ›

What Is a Portfolio Manager? Portfolio managers are investment decision-makers. They devise and implement investment strategies and processes to meet client goals and constraints, construct and manage portfolios, make decisions on what and when to buy and sell investments.

What is the primary purpose of portfolio management? ›

The fundamental objective of portfolio management is to help select best investment options as per one's income, age, time horizon and risk appetite. Nonetheless, to make the most of portfolio management, investors should opt for a management type that suits their investment pattern.

What is the need for portfolio management? ›

Portfolio management will allow you to consider your past investments while developing your new investment strategy. You can make an informed decision after considering the age factor, risk propensity, income, and budget. This comprehensive decision-making process will eliminate the risk of huge losses.

Who uses portfolio management? ›

Project Portfolio Management Helps Large or Growing Organizations Keep a Clean House. In organizations where fairly small project management teams only have to prioritize and coordinate a few projects, implementing a formal PPM process might not really be needed.

What do portfolio management companies do? ›

Portfolio Management Service: Understanding Its Types And Advantages. Portfolio Management Service (PMS) is a professional financial service where skilled portfolio managers and stock market professionals manage your equity portfolio with the assistance of a research team.

How do you create a portfolio management? ›

Collect Project Ideas for Your Portfolio

Once you've defined your portfolio's strategic goals it's time to start building it. To do so, you'll need to start collecting projects. Those could be in-progress projects or project ideas that are similar enough to be managed simultaneously.

What is the 3 portfolio rule? ›

The three-fund portfolio consists of a total stock market index fund, a total international stock index fund, and a total bond market fund. Asset allocation between those three funds is up to the investor based on their age and risk tolerance.

What is the difference between investment management and portfolio management? ›

Investment advisors encompass professionals that can help you with investment management, retirement planning, estate management, tax management, budgeting, debt management, etc. Portfolio managers are typically more focused on helping you invest and managing your investment portfolio.

How to manage your portfolio like a professional? ›

How to Manage Your Stock Portfolio Like a Pro
  1. Set Your Financial Goals and Stick to the Plan.
  2. Diversify – Make Sure to Spread Out Risk and Reward.
  3. Apply Dollar-Cost Averaging Strategy.
  4. Reinvest Those Dividends – They Will Be Worth More in the Future.
  5. A Long Timeline Works Well – Go For It.
Dec 20, 2023

What is portfolio management example? ›

Example of Portfolio Management

With a Rs 10,000 investment corpus, a portfolio manager strategically allocates it to various units, such as real estate, mutual funds, and shares. This allocation aligns with the individual's financial goals and risk tolerance, aiming to maximize profitability.

What is the average income of a portfolio manager? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $187,500 and as low as $37,000, the majority of Portfolio Manager salaries currently range between $65,500 (25th percentile) to $130,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $153,500 annually across the United States.

How do portfolio managers get paid? ›

Mutual fund portfolio manager compensation comes from a mix of a base salary, fulcrum fees, deferred compensation plans, equity and stock options, performance bonuses for the company and teams, and nonmonetary benefits.

What is portfolio explain with an example? ›

As per portfolio definition, it is a collection of a wide range of assets that are owned by investors. The said collection of financial assets may also be valuables ranging from gold, stocks, funds, derivatives, property, cash equivalents, bonds, etc.

What are the benefits of portfolio management? ›

Here are the benefits of portfolio management:
  • Helps make the right investment choice. ...
  • Helps manage liquidity. ...
  • Reduces risk. ...
  • Improves financial understanding. ...
  • Discretionary portfolio management. ...
  • Identifying backup assets. ...
  • Creating a portfolio strategy. ...
  • Selecting profitable securities and investment.
Sep 13, 2023

What is project portfolio management explain in brief? ›

Project portfolio management is a formal approach used by organizations to identify, prioritize, coordinate and monitor projects that align with their strategy and goals. This approach examines the risk-reward ratio of each project, the available funds, the likelihood of a project's duration and the expected outcomes.

What is portfolio management strategy? ›

Strategic portfolio management is a collection of capabilities and functionalities required for enterprise IT planning and management focusing on business and IT planning alignment, IT investment planning and management, IT portfolio optimization, strategy execution, and cost and risk management.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 5780

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.