Business/Trade Article
PM Network magazine, September 2004 issue, published by the Project Management Institute
The Whole Works
Holistic management offers companies a common-sense, systematic approach for maximizing existing resources and ensuring a sustainable future
It's the holy grail of change management — a flexible, adaptable decision-making process that facilitates short- and long-term improvements while accounting for inevitable business changes. The holistic approach, enabled by strong project management, may be just what many global companies are seeking.
In manufacturing and operations, holistic management focuses on the entire production process, including technology, procedures, processes and human resources. Essentially, project managers attempt to identify key variations that, when reduced, will provide the greatest increase in output and efficiency. This approach exists at the crossroads of management practice, with aspects derived from Six Sigma, Human Systems and Learning Organization five disciplines, Minimalist Manufacturing and the Theory of Constraints.
In general, holistic management enables individuals or organizations to make decisions simultaneously from a business, social and ecological standpoint — without neglecting ROI. Essentially, project managers deliver each piece to complete the whole picture.