Change: programmes and projects
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outcomes. Programme management is essentially the control system you use to achieve the desired results or outcomes. The phases and the dynamic life cycle comprise the dynamic process you are going to employ. So programme management may be defined as: the utilization of project management and its inherent processes to manage effectively a collection of closely interdependent projects in a controlled and structured manner to achieve some clearly defined objectives identified as strategic needs.
The processes employed for programmes and projects are similar. Programme management is primarily concerned to satisfy strategic needs identified from business planning. Since it involves maintaining an overview of several interdependent projects, all active with differing time lines, programme management is closely linked to business management. Programmes generally use more resources simply because of their size and are often spread between several locations. The impact of progress or lack of it must be under constant review in terms of the business benefits expected, especially as benefits accumulate as projects complete and new ones start. The programmes and projects that are approved as active at any time make up the programme and project portfolio. This portfolio is like an investment portfolio: some programmes and projects are low risk and a few are very high risk, and if all succeed, the business will benefit significantly. All are perceived as essential to success, but priorities do change as new opportunities arise, and the organization must ensure that adequate resources and funding are available. So, the definition of programme management can be extended further. It can now be defined as: creating the environment where the portfolio of all active programmes and stand-alone projects is managed to yield defined benefits in pursuit of business strategic needs.
As with investments, we need to understand our portfolio – what is in it and why and how we will benefit. Programme management must create a suitable environment where well-informed business decisions can be made about the active programmes and projects, for effective business results. This is sometimes termed portfolio management.
WHAT IS PROJECT MANAGEMENT? The management of your project is essentially the control system you use to achieve the right results or outcomes. As with a programme, the phases and the dynamic action cycle comprise the dynamic process you are going to employ, so project management may now be defined as: