Notes

program management is the coordinated planning, management, and execution of multiple related projects that are directed toward the same strategic, business, or organizational objectives. Program management is more than a collection of similar projects or organizing projects under the same umbrella. Effective program management ensures people and teams are focused and collaborating across departments who are working together to achieve a shared strategic vision.

Multiple programs run concurrently, each meant to create change in the organization to foster growth through innovation and market expansion, digital transformation, and efficiencies. Executing on strategy is difficult due to some uncertainty. Program managers across the organization focus on ensuring alignment to priorities and shifting as priorities change.

Because projects often compete for resources in terms of people and dollars, program management must also balance those resources across projects. Program management enables the organization to fund, prioritize, optimize resource capacity, and manage interdependencies and conflicts. Program managers are viewed as strategy execution leaders and have deep knowledge about current organizational capabilities.

Program management thrives in organizations that embrace uncertainty, leveraging continuous planning as a part of their strategic roadmap and portfolio funding process. From idea to delivery, programs are vital to successfully integrating strategy with delivery.