What is Multi-Project Management?

Multi-project management (MPM) is a dynamic project management method that enables the simultaneous implementation of different projects with independent goals, schedules and dependencies.

Multi-Project Management
Definition | Examples | Synonyms

As a multi-project manager, you can simultaneously plan, coordinate and manage projects that are not interdependent. The goal is to distribute a pool of resources across different projects in a balanced way so that everyone can achieve their objectives. Multi-project management is a good way of pursuing several objectives at the same time, monitoring them centrally and using the capacity of employees in a targeted and efficient way. However, coordinating unrelated projects and setting the right priorities also presents many managers with major challenges.

Multi Project Management

A Practical Example

Martin works as a multi-project manager in a software company. The teams he supports work on several different projects in parallel. Although these are independent of each other in terms of content and goals, they are worked on by the same employees. Martin’s employee Felix, for example, is involved in three different projects. Together with his coworkers Susanna and Max, who are also involved in other projects, he is working on an app concept for a customer.

As a multi-project manager, Martin must now ensure that all projects are carried out successfully despite the shared resource pool. He implements a Lean PPM™ tool such as Meisterplan to see exactly which resources are allocated to which projects. This allows him to minimize resource scheduling conflicts and avoid them from the start using proactive planning.

Synonyms and Abbreviations

The terms project portfolio management (PPM) and multi-project management are often used synonymously. However, this is not entirely correct from a technical point of view. Although PPM and multi-project management have many things in common, they are nevertheless two different concepts. Dependencies between projects play a crucial role in PPM, whereas this is not the case in multi-project management.

Multi-project management is commonly abbreviated as MPM.

FAQ

What are the challenges of multi-project management?

There are several challenges you might face as a multi-project manager. Finding the right methods to overcome these challenges can lead to great benefits for your organization.

Properly allocating resources

Balancing competing priorities and limited resources requires strategic allocation. Project managers must know and wisely allocate the skills of their people, set clear priorities and provide sufficient capacity at precisely the right time.

Considering dependencies

Coordinating dependencies is critical to project success. While there are no dependencies between projects, there are still dependencies within each project or with other departments. Project managers must recognize relationships, establish communication channels and proactively manage potential conflicts.

Promoting collaboration

This can be a challenge, especially for teams that are not working together in-person or that consist of individual talents who have not worked together in the current configuration. Project managers must promote a culture of collaboration, create clear communication channels and promote technology for seamless teamwork.

Prioritization and time management

Prioritization and time management are critical when working with multiple projects. Project managers must understand strategic goals, prioritize tasks and make informed resource allocation decisions to achieve key milestones and keep projects on track.

Managing stakeholder expectations

It can be difficult to balance diverging expectations from different teams and leadership. Project managers must communicate proactively, understand the needs of different stakeholders and be actively involved throughout the project, especially during bottlenecks.

What are the benefits of multi-project management?

With multi-project management, you can:

  • Distribute resources ideally.
  • Optimize teamwork.
  • Make work processes and communication more efficient.
  • Achieve high levels of satisfaction among customers, stakeholders and employees.

What is the difference between multi-project management, project portfolio management (PPM) and program management?

  • Strategic alignment: PPM focuses on strategic alignment by selecting and monitoring projects that are in line with corporate strategy. MPM is more operationally focused, managing multiple projects simultaneously without any strict strategic commonality.
  • Common goal setting vs. autonomy: In program management, projects work toward a common goal and often create synergies that increase overall value. MPM, on the other hand, allows for the autonomy of individual projects with different goals.
  • Project independence: MPM differs from PPM in its approach to project independence. In PPM, projects contribute to an overarching portfolio strategy, while MPM focuses on the independent management of projects, even if they do not pursue a common strategic goal.

How does resource planning work in multi-project management?

To ensure that all your projects run smoothly, it’s undoubtedly important to plan and distribute your resources optimally. With multi-project management, you can analyze the utilization of all resources across projects to ensure that bottlenecks are resolved and deadlines are met.

Multi-Project Management with Meisterplan

With Meisterplan, you can manage a large number of projects at the same time. Thanks to our convenient functionality, you can keep an eye on the big picture without losing sight of the small but important details.

Meisterplan helps you quickly see:

  • Which projects your resources are working on.
  • What skills your resources have.
  • Which resources have free capacity and when.
  • When resources are overbooked.
  • How changes in project planning and new priorities affect the team and individual employees.

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