Technical Program Manager’s Handbook: Unlock your TPM potential by leading technical projects successfully and elevating your career path

Explore the TPM role in depth with this revised second edition. New coverage includes advanced program management techniques, emotional intelligence, and AI integration. Join business with technology and elevate your career.

Key FeaturesLearn advanced system design principles and architectural concepts necessary for a TPMGet up to speed with AI-driven project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication toolsBenefit from practical tools, methodologies, case studies, and real-world examplesBook Description

The role of the Technical Program Manager (TPM) is crucial in the tech industry, bridging the gap between technical expertise and business acumen. The second edition of the Technical Program Manager’s Handbook offers a comprehensive guide to excelling in this role. Building on the foundational concepts from the first edition, this updated version introduces new chapters that explore the integration of AI and Emotional Intelligence (EI) in program management. These crucial additions complement the broader focus of the book on bridging business and technology but don’t overshadow it. You’ll learn how to apply AI-driven tools to enhance project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication, as well as how to leverage EI to build strong team relationships and improve leadership effectiveness.

This book provides practical tools, methodologies, and case studies, offering insights from industry leaders to help both aspiring and practicing TPMs apply advanced concepts and strategies effectively. It also explores the unique aspects of the TPM role in major tech companies, helping you to navigate and thrive in your career.

By the end of this book, you’ll have a clear understanding of the TPM role, along with a breakdown of the necessary technical and program management skills, to develop a clear roadmap for your career.

What you will learnUncover the critical importance of the TPM role in the tech industryUnderstand and leverage the unique aspects of the TPM roleDiscover what makes a successful TPM through real-world case studiesMaster project management with advanced technical skills and AI toolsApply EI to enhance leadership and team managementExplore careers and paths for TPMs in the Big Five tech companiesWho this book is for

This book is designed for aspiring and established Technical Program Managers (TPMs), tech professionals transitioning into TPM roles, and recent graduates embarking on careers in technology consulting. It’s also valuable for business analysts, project managers, and anyone supporting or working alongside TPMs. To fully benefit from this book, readers should have a basic understanding of the project management life cycle and be comfortable with technical concepts, as it dives into advanced topics and real-world applications.

Table of ContentsFundamentals of a Technical Program ManagerPillars of a Technical Program ManagerCareer PathsAn Introduction to Program Management Using a Case StudyDriving Toward ClarityPlan ManagementRisk ManagementStakeholder ManagementManaging a ProgramEmotional Intelligence in Technical Program ManagementThe Technical ToolsetCode Development ExpectationsSystem Design and Architecture LandscapeHarnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Technical Program ManagementEnhancing Management Using Your Technical Toolset

From the Publisher

Explore new content on harnessing AI and fostering Emotional Intelligence to become a better TPM

Along with updates and modernizations throughout, this second edition includes two brand-new chapters covering increasingly important considerations for TPMs. The first covers Emotional Intelligence – what it is, why you need it to succeed as a TPM, and how to improve it. The second new chapter explores how AI, and especially Generative AI, is changing the game for TPMs and teaches you how to not get left behind in the quickly changing AI landscape.

Learn from the professionals with real-world examples and case studies

Author Joshua Teter is a true expert in the TPM field. He has over 11 years of job experience at Amazon and has been promoted from TPM to Senior TPM and now Principal TPM. His personal experience is unpacked throughout this book to give you insights you wouldn’t otherwise be able to gain without years of experience. On top of Joshua’s own expertise in the field, the book is peppered with insights from other experienced TPMs and technical leaders, examples from in the field showing you what works (and what doesn’t), and a book-wide case study that will help you see how everything you’ve learnt comes together to run a successful program.

Get to grips with project, program, and portfolio management

Learn both the differences and the transferable skills you need to know to succeed, whether you’re leading small projects, large programs, or even whole portfolios. With chapters covering project planning, risk management, and how to keep your stakeholders on-side, you’ll develop the knowledge that will help you spot and solve problems so that you can lead smooth projects to completion. You’ll explore how program management builds on the fundamentals of project management and even see how to utilize your technical acumen to gain an edge.

See what the big five tech companies look for in a TPM to boost your career opportunities

Beyond the real-world advice and insights, an entire chapter is dedicated to your career path and how to make the most of your skills in the workplace. You’ll see how to get started, moving from wherever you are now into an entry-level TPM role, see what paths are open to you to grow once you’re on the TPM track, explore what adjacent roles open up to you with the skills you gain in your day-to-day work, and see how to climb the career ladder all the way to the principal or director level.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Packt Publishing; 2nd ed. edition (September 30, 2024)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1836200471
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1836200475
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.74 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.55 x 7.5 x 9.25 inches