Program Management Essentials

Take your program management skills—and your leadership potential—to the next level with this practical introduction to managing multiple, related projects at scale. In this course, you'll learn how to align strategy with execution, set SMART objectives, and deliver measurable value across the full program management lifecycle.

You'll explore how a program manager leads teams, coordinates complex initiatives, manages stakeholder expectations, and sustains long-term benefits. Whether you're transitioning from project management or looking to formalize hands-on experience, this training gives you the essential tools and insights you need for successful program management.

How You Will Benefit

Participants will have access to expert instructors, collaborative learning opportunities, and valuable resources to support their growth. They will gain valuable insights into:

• Effectively managing programs
• Developing practical strategies for managing project programs
• Relating how program delivery is aligned with strategic business objectives
• Managing, planning, executing, and controlling a successful program of multiple related projects
• Successfully managing complex stakeholder relationships
• Learning industry-standard best practices for Program Management
• Determining how to govern programs and effectively manage program risks

What You Will Learn

The course combines engaging lectures, interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world case studies to ensure a dynamic and impactful learning experience.

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

• Define program management
• Relate program delivery to business/strategic objectives
• Identify the benefits your program will offer and plan how to deliver, transition, and sustain them
• Oversee the management, planning, execution, and controlling of simple and complex programs
• Effectively engage and maintain stakeholders throughout the life cycle of a program
• Use industry-standard tools and techniques to document and track program components
• Identify and implement effective Program Management governance structures to best meet the needs of an organization
• Report and control programs in a professional manner, employing the most appropriate reporting tools

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Professionals seeking to advance their expertise in Program Management
• Current project managers, scrum masters, and those leading projects
• Senior leaders who want to develop a better understanding of Program Management

Format

Virtual Classroom: Three days of web-based eLearning with a live instructor. You will also receive digital training materials and six (6) months of access to our online training portal.

In-House: If you have 10 or more employees seeking Program Management Essentials training, we will deliver the course at your facility (or another location in your area, if you prefer). The training can be scheduled during any three consecutive days of your choosing.

Duration

24 hours

Outline

Introduction to Program Management

• Define Projects, Programs, & Portfolios
• Review Program Types
• Roles & Responsibilities of a Program Manager
• Five Performance Domains

Program Strategy Alignment

• Align Strategy to Vision and Mission Statements
• Complete Program SWOT Analysis
• Use SMART Goals to Define Objectives
• Incorporate Balanced Scorecard(s)

Program Life Cycle Management

• Phases of Program Life Cycle Management
• Program Management Activities

Program Definition

• Program Formulation
  • Understanding Benefits
  • Identifying & Analyzing Stakeholders
• Program Planning
  • Program Management Pla
  • Governance

Program Delivery

• Component Authorization & Planning
• Component Oversight & Integration
• Component Transfer & Closure

Program Closure

• Transitioning Benefits from the Program
• Defining how to Sustain Program Benefits
• Program Closure Activities

Course Closeout

• Course Summary
• Question & Answer Session
• Wrap-up