Developing a Comprehensive Program Plan: Key Considerations in Program Management.
As a professional project manager, you understand the importance of project planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. However, effective program management goes beyond these individual practices and encompasses a holistic approach to achieving the organisation’s strategic goals. Continuting on in the series, here I will lay out what Developing a Comprehensive Program Plan entails.
Series
You will find this post is one of several in the series I have focused on Program Management Fundamentals
Why Adopt a Program Management Strategy
As we saw in the introduction post and The Importance of Program Management in Achieving Strategic Goals post, adopting a Program Management Strategy for the delivery of any Project within your organisation is to ensure that you:
- Commit capital and resources to align with organizational goals
- Optimise resource allocation applied to solving the organisation’s highest-value ideas
- Focus on communication and engagement with all stakeholder groups, aligned to your Purpose, Vision, Values.
- Maximise Opportunities, for high-value returns, whilst mitigating associated risks
The Role of the Program Manager
As a program manager, one of your primary responsibilities is to develop a comprehensive program plan. A program plan is a strategic document that outlines the program’s:
- goals,
- objectives,
- timelines,
- resources,
- risks,
- and other critical information.
It serves as a roadmap for the program team, stakeholders, and sponsors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Developing a program plan
Developing a comprehensive program plan requires careful consideration of several key factors, including:
Defining the program scope:
The first step in developing a program plan is to define the program’s scope. This involves identifying the program objectives, deliverables, and key stakeholders. It’s essential to ensure that the program scope is clearly defined and agreed upon by all stakeholders to avoid scope creep later on.
Identifying program risks:
Identifying and managing program risks is critical to program success. A comprehensive program plan should include a risk management plan that identifies potential risks, assesses their likelihood and impact, and outlines mitigation strategies.
Establishing program timelines:
Developing a program schedule involves identifying the tasks required to complete the program, estimating the time required for each task, and establishing dependencies between tasks. The program schedule should be realistic, achievable, and regularly updated to reflect changes in program scope, timelines, or resources.
Defining program deliverables:
Program deliverables are the tangible outcomes or results of the program. A comprehensive program plan should clearly define the deliverables, their quality criteria, and the acceptance criteria for each deliverable.
Identifying program resources:
Program resources include people, equipment, and materials required to complete the program. A comprehensive program plan should identify the resources required for each task and ensure that they are available when needed.
Establishing program budgets:
Developing a program budget involves estimating the costs associated with completing the program, including labor, materials, equipment, and other expenses. A comprehensive program plan should include a detailed budget that is regularly reviewed and updated throughout the program.
Defining program communication:
Effective communication is critical to program success. A comprehensive program plan should establish a communication plan that identifies the program stakeholders, their information needs, and the methods of communication.
The Value of Best Practice thinkers: Thought Leaders
As always, my material is science and researched backed, therefore I have prepared for your reflection, here are some of the best thinkers in the space of program management and their works on developing a comprehensive program plan:
Eric Verzuh
“The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management“: Eric Verzuh is a well-known author and consultant in the field of project and program management. In his book, “The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management,” Verzuh provides a comprehensive overview of program management, including developing a program plan.
Ginger Levin and J. LeRoy Ward
“Program Management for Improved Business Results” Ginger Levin and J. LeRoy Ward are both experienced program management consultants and authors. In their book, “Program Management for Improved Business Results,” they provide practical guidance on developing program plans that align with strategic business objectives.
Howard Podeswa
“The Business Analyst’s Handbook”: Howard Podeswa is a business consultant and author with extensive experience in program management. In his book, “The Business Analyst’s Handbook,” he provides guidance on developing program plans that align with business needs and objectives.
Harold Kerzner
“Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling“: Harold Kerzner is a well-known author and consultant in the field of project and program management. In his book, “Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling,” he provides guidance on developing program plans that are aligned with organizational strategy and objectives.
What Separates Great from Good
When it comes to what separates great from good program plans, some factors to consider include:
Clarity of objectives and goals:
A great program plan clearly defines program objectives and goals that align with strategic business objectives.
The thoroughness of risk management:
A great program plan includes a thorough risk management plan that identifies potential risks, assesses their likelihood and impact, and outlines mitigation strategies.
Realistic timelines and budgets:
A great program plan includes realistic timelines and budgets that are achievable and aligned with organizational constraints.
Strong communication plan:
A great program plan includes a strong communication plan that identifies program stakeholders, their information needs, and the methods of communication.
Alignment with business strategy:
A great program plan aligns with strategic business objectives and has the support of senior leadership.
Key Takeaways
Developing a comprehensive program plan is a critical component of successful program management. To develop a comprehensive program plan, program managers must carefully consider key factors such as program scope, risks, timelines, deliverables, resources, budgets, and communication. By taking a systematic and thorough approach to program planning, program managers can increase the likelihood of program success and achieve the desired outcomes.
