Programme Management Guide™

Introduction

“Project Management is about doing projects right; Programme Management is about doing the right projects at the right time.” It’s this subtle, but key, difference that is at the heart of “Making Programmes Fly.”

Workshop Overview

‘Making Programmes Fly’ looks at the challenges and tools for Programme Managers from two aspects:

Practical - The workshop leaders, have impressive track records of actually delivering high risk, high cost projects. They do not hide behind methodologies as they have tangible experience to demonstrate success.
Impartial – While this workshop looks at the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) guidelines on programme management, it does not slavishly adhere to them without challenging them. The focus of this event is to improve your programme management skills, not to swamp you with rules and regulations.

Workshop Benefits

Practical advice, tools and guidance help you choose, prioritise and manage projects within programmes.
Case studies show successes, pitfalls and the learning gained from delivering in the field.
Delegates are introduced to the best practice principles of the Office of Government Commerce “Managing Successful Programmes” on programme governance and the guidance of the Association for Project Management.
Experienced and interactive training delivery makes these principles more accessible.
Access to follow-up support, to help you implement the tools and techniques within your organisation.

Workshop Objectives

At this workshop, you will develop skills in:

Recognising change drivers and using Programme Management for successful delivery.
Choosing and prioritising projects and programmes in line with strategy.
Understanding and selectively applying the principles of best practice Programme Management in line with The Office of Government Commerce, and the Association For Project Management
Understanding and implementing the processes of Programme Management including Governing a Programme and Delivering Benefits.
Understanding and managing the Roles and Responsibilities including Stakeholder Management and Virtual Team Management.

Workshop Outline

The programme is both theoretical and practical. It includes a number of interactive simulations to encourage learning, ensure understanding and embed the principles and processes.

Section 1 - Setting The Scene

Background on change and strategy – Change is the only constant!
Types of Programme/Change – There are more choices than you might think.
Programme Management for Successful Delivery – Delivering with less stress, more predictability and more creative energy.
Differences between Projects and Programmes – There are subtle differences and you need both.
An analogy for Programme Management – To help you remember the concepts introduced.

Section 2 - Principles of Programme Management

Organisation & Leadership – The vital roles of sponsoring, leading and decision making within Programme Management.
Benefits Management – Active management to ensure delivery.
Stakeholder Management & Virtual Team Management – Effective communication is the core issue.
Risk and Issue Management and Change Control – Prioritising (and even stopping projects) is key.
Programme Planning & Control - Exploring the push–pull relationship between strategy, programmes and projects.
Business Case Management – Ensuring and managing return on investment.
Quality Management - Reviewing and benchmarking.

Section 3 - Processes of Programme Management

Identifying Programmes Based on Strategy – Just because it’s a good project doesn’t mean you should do it!
Defining Programmes - The crucial step.
Governance - Important even if you adopt a “lite” approach to it.
Short Video of testimony from clients.
Managing the Portfolio - Creating accountability, without a blame culture.
Delivering Benefits is what it’s all about.
Closing Programmes - Capitalising on corporate learning.

Who should attend?

Making Programmes Fly is designed to be applicable to all business sectors and organisations both large and small. Those who will benefit include:

Managers and decision makers involved in strategic planning of multiple projects and programmes.
Programme Managers and Directors.
Programme Steering Group Members and Sponsors.
Programme Team Members.
Anyone considering taking the Office of Government Commerce Programme Management course and exam. This one-day executive briefing is an excellent introduction to the contents of the full OGC programme and exam.