Program
DE: Programm
A group of related projects managed coordinately for benefits not available individually.
Detailed Explanation
A program is a group of related projects, subsidiary programs, and program activities managed in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually. The key distinction from a portfolio is that program components are interdependent and related.
Program management focuses on managing interdependencies between projects, optimizing resource allocation across projects, managing escalated risks and issues, and realizing benefits that emerge from the coordinated delivery of multiple projects.
Programs typically have a program manager who operates at a higher strategic level than project managers. While PMs focus on delivering their individual project's scope on time and budget, the program manager focuses on the bigger picture: are the collective projects delivering the intended strategic benefits?
Key Points
- Related projects managed together for greater benefits
- Components are interdependent — unlike portfolio components
- Manages interdependencies, shared resources, and escalated risks
- Led by a program manager at a strategic level
- Focus on benefit realization, not just deliverable completion
- Operates between project management and portfolio management
Practical Example
A bank's 'Digital Transformation' program includes 4 related projects: Mobile Banking App, Online Account Opening, AI Customer Service Chatbot, and Core Banking System Upgrade. These share infrastructure, APIs, and testing environments. The program manager coordinates dependencies (the chatbot needs the upgraded core banking), manages shared vendor contracts, and ensures the combined delivery creates the target customer experience.
Tips for Learning and Applying
Clearly define the program benefits that justify managing projects together
Manage interdependencies actively — this is the program manager's primary job
Establish a program-level governance structure separate from project governance
Focus on benefit realization tracking, not just project delivery metrics
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