Program Management - What is it really?

Program Management is a method to manage related groups of projects.

PMI defines it as
"A group of related projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually. Programs may include elements of related work outside scope of the discrete projects in the program." - PMBOK pg 368

I think it is a collections of initiatives and projects that are designed to accomplish a strategic business objective. It is important to know the business driver of "why?" the work is being done. There can be a high cost of programs due to the length and scope being quite complex, so selling the benefits and gaining support for program is imperative.

Programs include

• A single product or deliverable
• Many product deliverables
• Can be a combination of ongoing support activity in addition to deliverables
• Usually focuses on business objectives and delivering value
• Benefit management

Characteristics of Programs

• Deliverables with a strategic intent
• Business Change
• Significant change in the organization
• Success criteria including growth, productivity gains, and improvement in the market
• There are significant risks
• Environmental change as well as change in program
• Longer in duration than projects
• Benefits are achieved throughout duration of program

Program Management Skills vs Project Management Skills

Key Points

• Programs have larger scope than projects and typically run at higher levels in the organization
• Strategic initiatives are linked to programs
• Programs require more sophisticated approach to managing change and navigating politics
• The external environment is important to understand and monitor since it impacts program success