The programme management course explores the
complex multi project environment found in most organizations
today.
The course is organized around the following
topics:
Definitions and background - A discussion on
programme and portfolio management and what needs to be in place
before a programme is launched. The programme management process as
well as the role players in the programme management process is
discussed.
Drivers
for change - Understanding the drivers for change that result in
programmes being launched. This topic deals with understanding what
the drivers are and defining why a programme is needed. It involves
confirming the business need and the support of the various
stakeholder groups. It also deals with scope definition and budget
authorization. Other topics that are discussed are: Benefits
realization definition, Risk management planning, Communications
planning, Change management planning
Programme proposal - This topic discusses the
setting up of preliminary workgroups, identifying and appointing
the programme owner, developing and preparing the proposal to be
presented to an authorizing group, committee or enterprise board
and making the decision to proceed with the
programme.
Defining
a programme - Details the efforts necessary to assemble a programme
team who can translate the programme vision into a detailed
programme plan. The programme plan will become the main control
document for the rest of the programme execution. It includes the
preparation of the Quality management plan, the communications
plan, the risk management plan, the benefits realization plan and
the resource and skills requirements plan.
Programme setup - How to set up the organizational
and personnel aspects of the programme. This includes governance
arrangements to control the programme, performance and benefits
realization measurement, planning and setting up the IT and/or
other tools environments and support mechanisms and establishing
the communication channels to the various stakeholder groups. The
central programme office, its role and functions are discussed in
detail.
Managing
a programme - Managing the portfolio of projects that make up the
programme, how to start them up, managing inter- dependencies,
managing the aspects of the projects, monitoring progress, managing
change and transition, continuous scope and benefit management and
reporting to the various bodies, committees and the enterprise
board.
Closing
a programme - Closing of a programme, the timing of the close, the
communication to the stakeholder groups, performing of benefit
realization reviews and disbanding the programme teams and
functions.
Post
programme tasks - Describes the post programme processes that needs
to be put in place for ongoing performance measurement and
improvement.
Over and above these topics, the following is
explored:
Enterprise Architecture - a brief discussion of
the importance of enterprise architecture and how programmes are
positioned and executed within it.
Configuration management
Documentation management
Problem
resolution
Course materials
Materials that are provided as part of the course
are a detailed manual and a programme management toolkit which
includes the process, sample deliverables and templates. This
toolkit is provided on a CD and is a HTML navigation able
tool.
Audience
The audience for this course are Senior IT/IS
managers and executives focusing on programme
management.
Prerequisites
All participants must have a good understanding of
managing IS projects.
Expected outcomes
After completing this course participants will be
able to actively plan, manage end execute IS programs. This
includes the implementation of supporting processes and managing
resources allocated to multiple projects. The course duration is 5
days.