Program Management Fundamentals

Increasingly organizations face the challenge of limited resources amongst conflicting projects, which often leads to budget overruns and failed strategic objectives. The goal of program management is to coordinate projects that share similar objectives and resources to obtain synergies that would not otherwise be possible. This translates into a more efficient utilization of project resources, including increased productivity, less waste and reduced conflict. In this course you will learn how to implement program management best practices in your organization.

How You Will Benefit

Enhance understanding of how programs, portfolios and projects relate to strategic objectives
Leverage synergies by managing multiple projects as a program
Reduce the risk of failing to receive benefits during transition
Optimize resource usage by prioritizing projects within a program

What You Will Learn

In this course you will learn the fundamental tools and techniques of program management including:

How Program Management fits into the organization
Performance domains and program life cycle
The goal/mission of Program Management
Benefits realization plan - Program architecture
Resource Planning
Set up the program infrastructure
Metrics for measuring and controlling the program
Scenario Analysis (impact of projects included in the program)
Governance structure for monitoring and controlling program components
Project sequencing in order to meet program objectives and realize benefits
Manage impact of organizational changes and benefits
Executive dashboards

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for project managers seeking a deeper understanding of programs and program management techniques.

Format

Video-On-Demand: Includes 6-months digital access to all training materials.

Duration / PDU Value

This course has been approved by PMI for 6 PDUs.

Outline

Introduction to Program Management

Introduction to program management
Differences between projects, programs and portfolios
Interdependence between projects and programs
Performance domains and program life cycle
How Program Management fits into the organization
The goal/mission of Program Management
Infrastructure: The program office, technology

Pre-program Preparations

Strategic benefits of programs
Organizational mission, vision and values, and how they influence strategy
Align program objectives with organizational objectives
High-level business case
The program manager's role
Program Management Team (team makeup and responsibilities)
Financial metrics
Phases and gates

Program Initiation

Program Categorization
Program Definition Phase
Stakeholder Identification

Program Setup

Program Preparation
Program Management Plan
Benefits realization plan - Program architecture
Resource Planning
Set up the program infrastructure; including governance tools, PMO, facilities and other processes
Plan for the remainder of the program (scheduling)
Metrics for measuring and controlling the program
Scenario Analysis (impact of projects included in the program)