An Integrated Approach to Project, Program, and Portfolio Management

PMx3 is a management methodology developed by Dr. Murad Karimi that brings together Agile and traditional linear frameworks across project, program, and portfolio management. 

The Rationale Behind PMx3®

Organizations operate in environments that demand both structure and adaptability. Traditional linear project management approaches emphasize defined scope, schedules, cost control, and planned delivery. Agile approaches emphasize adaptability, iterative development, and responsiveness to evolving requirements.

Although these approaches offer different strengths, integrating them across projects, programs, and portfolios requires careful consideration of governance, dependencies, strategic priorities, and delivery objectives.

PMx3 was conceived to address this challenge by examining how Agile and traditional linear frameworks can work together within an integrated, iterative management methodology. 

Beyond Individual Project Management

Project, program, and portfolio management serve distinct but interconnected purposes.

• Project Management focuses on planning and delivering defined objectives, managing constraints, and maintaining execution discipline.

• Program Management coordinates related projects and their interdependencies to support the achievement of broader outcomes and benefits.

• Portfolio Management connects initiatives and investments with strategic priorities, supporting decisions about alignment, resource allocation, and organizational value.

PMx3 considers these dimensions collectively, recognizing that effective management requires alignment between individual project delivery, program-level coordination, and portfolio-level priorities.

An Iterative and Adaptive Methodology

PMx3 brings together the principles of Agile and traditional linear frameworks within an iterative approach to project, program, and portfolio management.

The objective is to explore how structure, adaptability, governance, and execution discipline can be integrated to address varying project requirements, organizational environments, and strategic objectives.

Rather than treating project, program, and portfolio management as isolated disciplines, PMx3 emphasizes their interdependence and the importance of connecting execution with broader organizational goals.

The Development of PMx3®

PMx3 is currently being developed and documented by Dr. Murad Karimi. Its concepts and principles will be explored further through educational videos and a forthcoming book.

PMx3 platform will serve as a resource for sharing the methodology, examining its underlying concepts, and advancing the discussion of integrated project, program, and portfolio management.

PMx3® — Connecting Projects, Programs, and Portfolios.