Although many might argue that program management is magic or luck, and at times this might be the case, Springer instead describes program management as both an art and a science. The art of program management is addressed through the numerous qualitative aspects of dealing with people, working in teams, understanding what motivates people, and gaining an understanding of how we manage. The quantitative side is composed of a process with multiple activities with clear-cut outcomes. The integration of the multiple activities and outcomes provides a powerful framework for successfully planning a program. Program Management: A Comprehensive Overview of the Discipline, doing what no other book has done, integrates and depicts each of the many program activities, art and science, into a well-defined sequence for creating a successful program plan. Program management is not reserved for multi-million dollar programs with strategic governmental or defense implications. The process presented by the author can be applied to any project, whether it be building a garage or planting a garden. The examples presented provide a clear and concise picture of the complete set of activities, how the responsible parties interact and which outcomes are desired for each activity.

About the Author: Dr. Springer currently serves as the Executive Director for Purdue University's Polytechnic Institute located in West Lafayette, Indiana. He has over thirty-five years of theoretical and industry-based practical experience from four disciplines: software engineering, systems engineering, program management, and human resources. Dr. Springer possesses a significant strength in pattern recognition, analyzing and improving organizational systems. He is internationally recognized, has contributed to scholarship more than 150 articles, presentations, books, and reviews on software development methodologies, management, organizational change, and program management. Dr. Springer sits on many university and community boards and advisory committees. He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions; most recently he was awarded the Purdue University College of Technology Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy Award.
Dr. Springer received his BS in computer science from Purdue University, and his MBA and doctorate in adult and community education with a cognate in executive development from Ball State University. He is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR and SHRM-SCP), in Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR), and in civil and domestic mediation. He is a State of Indiana registered domestic mediator.