Foundations of Program Management Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the primary role of a program manager?
To oversee all project managers working on the program and deliver benefits to the organization.
Name three essential skills of a program manager.
- Effective communication
- Leadership
- Ability to manage relationships with key stakeholders
What is the program manager’s role in impediment removal?
Acts as a chief impediment remover, enabling project managers and their teams to complete tasks efficiently.
What drives portfolios, programs, and projects in an organization?
Organizational strategy.
What is the role of a portfolio manager?
Aligns strategy with programs and projects, ensuring wise investments and value delivery.
How do programs relate to projects?
Programs group two or more projects to achieve common deliverables, with projects reporting to the program manager.
What happens to programs after individual projects end?
Programs continue to ensure benefits are sustained.
What are the two categories of value that organizations have?
- Tangible assets (like money and property)
- Intangible assets (like knowledge and brand)
What is the main purpose of programs?
To create value and ensure effective delivery of benefits.
What can reduce the value a program delivers?
- Delays
- Higher costs
- Changes in organizational strategy
List the four domains of the program lifecycle.
- Program Strategy Alignment
- Program Benefits Management
- Program Stakeholder Engagement
- Program Governance
What are the three main phases of the program lifecycle?
- Program definition (planning)
- Program benefits delivery (execution)
- Program closure (completion)
Fill in the blank: The simplified process of the program lifecycle can be summarized as _______.
[plan, do, close]
True or False: Program managers handle less uncertainty compared to project managers.
False
What must program managers continuously align?
Program components with the evolving organizational strategy.
What may programs need to do if projects no longer bring value?
Adjust or close projects.
What does a company’s vision describe?
Why they exist.
What outlines what a company aims to achieve in the next three to five years?
The mission.
How do strategy and objectives differ?
- Strategy: Defines how to reach goals
- Objectives: Specifies when and where goals are achieved
What document justifies why a program is being conducted?
Program business case.
What does the program plan detail?
How benefits will be delivered.
What can impact the program positively or negatively?
- Market conditions
- Financing
- Resources
- Economy
- Regulations
- Technology
What is the first step in benefits identification for program management?
Pinpointing the value the organization seeks from the program.
What tool is used to list and track planned benefits?
Benefits register.
