Course Details

Program Management for Complex Initiatives Training Course: Managing interconnected projects and achieving overarching program goals

Introduction

Elevate your leadership capabilities and conquer the most challenging organizational objectives with our "Program Management for Complex Initiatives" training course. In today's dynamic business landscape, isolated projects rarely deliver strategic transformation; success increasingly relies on expertly managing interconnected initiatives as a cohesive program. This intensive 10-day program equips experienced project professionals with advanced strategies to orchestrate multiple projects, align efforts with overarching strategic goals, manage complex interdependencies, and navigate stakeholder complexities. Learn to drive large-scale change, optimize resource utilization, mitigate program-level risks, and consistently deliver strategic outcomes that redefine organizational success.

Duration

10 Days

Target Audience

This course is designed for experienced project managers, aspiring program managers, PMO managers/directors, senior business leaders overseeing multiple initiatives, and professionals who are responsible for achieving strategic objectives through the coordinated management of related projects. It is particularly beneficial for those involved in:

• Large-scale organizational change initiatives.
• Product development programs.
• IT infrastructure rollouts or digital transformations.
• Merger and acquisition integrations.
• Any situation where multiple projects need to be managed in a coordinated manner to achieve a higher-level benefit or strategic objective.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Program Management for Complex Initiatives" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of program management and differentiate it from project and portfolio management.
• Articulate the strategic purpose of a program and align its objectives with organizational goals.
• Develop a robust program charter and roadmap that defines scope, governance, and key deliverables.
• Master techniques for managing interdependencies, shared resources, and risks across multiple projects within a program.
• Implement effective program governance structures, communication plans, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Lead and motivate multiple project teams, fostering collaboration and a shared sense of purpose.
• Develop advanced strategies for program scheduling, budgeting, and financial management.
• Understand the critical role of benefits realization management in ensuring program value delivery.
• Navigate complex political landscapes and organizational dynamics inherent in large-scale programs.
• Formulate a comprehensive action plan for initiating, planning, executing, and closing a complex program.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Program Management

• Defining Program Management: Coordinating related projects for strategic benefits.
• Distinguishing Program, Project, and Portfolio Management: Understanding the hierarchy and relationships.
• The strategic imperative of programs: Delivering transformational change and business value.
• Key characteristics of complex initiatives and why they require program management.
• Case studies illustrating successful and challenged programs.

Module 2: Program Strategy and Benefits Realization

• Linking program objectives directly to organizational strategy and vision.
• Identifying and defining tangible and intangible program benefits.
• Developing a Benefits Realization Management (BRM) plan: Tracking benefits from program initiation to post-closure.
• Value creation through program management: Beyond individual project deliverables.
• Communicating program value to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Module 3: Program Life Cycle and Governance

• Overview of the Program Life Cycle phases: Definition, Delivery, Closure.
• Key activities and deliverables in each program phase.
• Establishing robust program governance: Roles, responsibilities, decision-making authority (e.g., Program Steering Committee).
• The role of the Program Management Office (PgMO) in supporting complex initiatives.
• Risk management at the program level: Identifying and mitigating interconnected risks.

Module 4: Program Scope and Roadmap Development

• Defining the overarching program scope and its constituent projects.
• Developing a comprehensive program roadmap: Phasing, milestones, and strategic alignment.
• Managing scope creep at the program level.
• Identifying program work not directly managed by individual projects.
• Techniques for continuous refinement of the program roadmap.

Module 5: Managing Program Interdependencies and Integration

• Identifying and mapping critical interdependencies between projects within the program.
• Strategies for managing shared resources across multiple projects.
• Ensuring seamless integration of deliverables from different projects.
• Dependency management tools and techniques.
• Mitigating risks arising from interconnectedness.

Module 6: Program Financial Management and Budgeting

• Developing a comprehensive program budget that spans multiple projects.
• Cost aggregation and financial forecasting at the program level.
• Managing program-level contingencies and reserves.
• Financial reporting and variance analysis for the entire program.
• Value-driven budgeting: Aligning spending with expected benefits.

Module 7: Program Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Advanced stakeholder analysis for complex programs: Identifying power, influence, and interest.
• Developing a comprehensive program communication plan for diverse audiences.
• Building consensus and managing expectations across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Techniques for engaging executive sponsors and ensuring sustained support.
• Facilitating collaboration and conflict resolution among project managers and teams.

Module 8: Leading Multiple Project Managers and Teams

• The unique leadership challenges of a Program Manager.
• Coaching and mentoring individual project managers.
• Fostering a cohesive program culture and shared sense of purpose.
• Delegation and empowerment across multiple project teams.
• Performance management for project managers within the program.

Module 9: Program Risk, Quality, and Change Management

• Program-level risk identification, assessment, and response planning.
• Ensuring consistent quality standards across all program components.
• Managing organizational change at the program level: Impact on people, processes, and systems.
• Integrating individual project change management efforts into a broader program change strategy.
• Crisis management and recovery planning for complex initiatives.

Module 10: Program Closure and Sustaining Benefits

• Formal program closure processes: Administrative, contractual, and financial.
• Transitioning program deliverables to ongoing operations or other organizational units.
• Capturing lessons learned at the program level for future initiatives.
• Post-program benefits realization tracking and reporting.
• Developing an action plan for applying program management principles in your organization.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com