Course Overview
The programme management course explores the complex multi project environment found in
most organizations today.
The course is organized around the following topics:
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Enterprise Architecture - a brief discussion of the importance of enterprise architecture and
how programmes are positioned and executed within it.
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Configuration management
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Documentation management
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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.
Duration
5 days
