The essence of IT governance is the processes and decision-making around investments. Project portfolio management (PPM) is the process by which project investment decisions are made — selecting, prioritizing, and monitoring project results. PPM must be more than just a "decision to proceed" if IT execs want to maximize the value received from these investments. The PPM governance process should span from how business cases are developed to how project priorities are set and through to benefits realization. The business case document will be the core "living artifact" to preserve project value over its operational lifetime.