Devleoping a high level portfolio of projects is the best way I've found to deal with situations as described in the article. This organization routinely deposits on my desk, projects without adequate planning, budgeting, etc. It is a culture that took me by surprise but quickly adpated to it, and for the better. It has allowed me to be flexible, adaptable and be an optomist while delivering pessimistic answers. It is the basis for work plans for myself and staff through out the year. Keeping portfolio priortization also assigns the various project stakeholders with accountability.