Program Management
What is Program Management and how does it differ from Project Management?
Program Management, or Programme Management, is the process of managing several related projects, often with the intention of improving an organization’s performance. While Project Management is concerned with completion of an individual project, Program Management is closely related to an overall strategic business change management, and business transformation.
The following chart compares the characteristics of Project Management versus Program Management:
| Project Management | Program Management | |
|---|---|---|
Definition | A project is a unique initiative with a set scope, timeline, budget and or set of resources | A program is an ongoing collection of projects designed to improve organizational strategic performance |
Focus | Focused on a deliverable | Focused on a business objective |
Purpose | Provides deliverables by executing network of tasks | Deliver benefits by executing network of projects |
Duration | Temporary, has a finite start and end | Long term timeframe, it terminated with decision at to disinvest |
Success Definition | Meet narrowly defined objectives: time/ scope/ budget metrics | Meet broadly defined objectives with benefits too various stakeholders |
Required Competence | Management skills | Leadership skills |
Alignment | To specific functional or business level requirements | To overall business strategic objectives |
Human Resources | Organize and lead a project team | Facilitate cohesion across project teams |
Risk Management | Uses risk management to identify factors that could disrupt a project | Uses risk management to identify trouble projects that could weaken the program |
Value | Shows value quickly | Long term value proposition, across multiple years |
Current Business Impact | Excludes ongoing business activity | Integral to ongoing and long term business activity |
Cimarron’s Key Program Considerations:
Alignment:
The program must support a higher-level vision, goals, and objectives. Cimarron works with the organization to create the program vision and blueprint that defines the future organization, sector or community that will transform.
Program Controls
Cimarron establishes the structure, process, and procedure to control internal operations and changes to performance objectives. This includes a set of metrics to indicate the health and progress of the program in the most vital areas.
Change Management:
Cimarron’s management of change and transition is a key characteristic of a program, integral to building a major capability. Change management is critical to the success of the program and its planning and execution are high priority.
Verification:
Cimarron will establish controls to verify and validate the program, ensuring adherence to standards and alignment with the vision.
Monitoring and Reporting:
Cimarron ensures there are regular reviews, accountability, and monitors the management of each project.
Integration:
Ensure that component parts fit together properly to make the intended whole. We optimize performance across the entire program value chain, functionally and technically.
Financial Management:
Infrastructure:
Planning:
Continuous Improvement:
We continuously assess performance; researching and developing new capabilities. Then systemically applying learning and knowledge to the program.
Contact Cimarron Construction Advisors & Construction Managers today for an initial consultation regarding your successful Program implementation.