Objective: Program management is the process of managing several related projects, often with the intention of improving any organisation’s performance. The discipline of program management requires a refined set of business and leadership skills that are vastly different from that of a project manager. However being an effective program manager still requires a firm foothold in project management as the discipline of program management is the next logical step in the career progression.

This program management course focuses on core disciplines required to deliver strategic objectives. It includes an integrated case study that will provide you with the opportunity to walk through the entire life cycle of a programme while facing the types of realistic challenges that are encountered in any programme. The Program management course will provide the tools and techniques for programme governance, programme planning, effectively managing stakeholders and ensuring that your program realises its benefits and defined objectives.

Audience: This is a Program management course that is beneficial for those who are new or have just entered program management. It may be of particular benefit to those who have multiple years of project management experience or those that are currently working in a program management role and are now looking to enhance and expand their skill set

Format: Lecture based with relevant case-study work

Benefits: This Program management course will be of benefit to learners who want to understand how to manage programs and the application of program management in the workplace. The Program management course introduces learners to important program management techniques, key terminology and current methodology.

Learning Outcomes: After completing this Program management course, you should learn how to:

• use effective program management tools and techniques
• identify and implement best practice program management governance
• relate program delivery to business / strategic objectives
• initiate a large-scale program to implement organisational strategy
• manage, plan, execute and control a successful program consisting of multiple, related projects
• ensure the realisation of project and program benefits
• effectively manage stakeholder relationships
• report and control of programs in an effective manner that utilise best practice reporting tools

Course Content: The Program management course covers the following topics and areas: –

• Topic 1: Defining Program Management
  • The purpose of program management
  • Projects versus programs versus portfolios
  • Linking programs to strategic goals
  • How to manage strategy through programs
  • The program manager’s role in delivering the benefits
• Topic 2: Program Management Life Cycle
  • Program governance and the program management office
  • Program benefit management – defining and realizing benefits
  • The stages of program management
  • Defining the roles and responsibilities across a program
• Topic 3: Setting up a Program Roadmap
  • Defining Program Benefits
  • Identifying Stakeholders and levels of involvement
  • Initiating a Program
  • Defining the Program Road-map
  • Identify a program financial plan
• Topic 4: Program Planning
  • Defining program goals and requirements
  • Developing a program schedule – managing dependencies
  • Monitor and control program status
• Topic 5: Program Reporting
  • Identify and analysing program risk
  • Effective program reporting
  • Managing Virtual Teams
  • Effective program auditing
  • Management of program issues
• Topic 6: Managing Business Readiness
  • Control of program financials
  • Managing and realizing program benefits
  • Defining Business and Organisational Readiness
  • Managing Organisational Change
  • Transition Programs into the Organisation

The course follows an established and best-practice standard from the Project Management Institutes (PMI®). This Program Management Standard allows participants to understand program structures and methodology. There are numerous case-studies used throughout the course to exemplify course learning.