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Programme management in demand
Transcript
Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast, we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge, and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.
Today, we’re diving into the crucial role of programme management and how it helps organisations adapt and thrive. We’ll provide an overview of what programmes and programme management involve and why they are so significant. If you’re considering a career in programme management, understanding frameworks and gaining certifications can be key. Additionally, if you’re on the lookout for programme management courses, make sure to check out our MSP course page for more details.
To begin, let’s clarify what a programme is. A programme is a temporary organisation set up to coordinate and direct a set of related projects, which are also temporary but typically shorter in duration. While projects deliver outputs or products, programmes are all about delivering outcomes. It’s important to note that a project might not always be part of a programme.
Next, we explore programme management, which complements project management. Within a programme, projects are initiated, executed, and closed, all under the coordination of the programme. However, effective project management remains essential even within a programme.
A critical aspect of programme management is aligning three key business areas: corporate strategy, delivery mechanisms for change, and the ongoing business as usual. Balancing the tensions between these elements is crucial to delivering transformational change that meets organisational needs.
Programmes are typically broken down into tranches, manageable chunks that facilitate the transition of project outputs into business as usual. This organisation allows for regular review points to monitor progress, assess performance, and realise benefits.
In any organisation, resources are often in high demand, and programme management provides a framework to use these resources effectively across all projects. Additionally, programmes often require cultural shifts, and acknowledging the human factors is vital for successful transformation.
Programme management success hinges on several factors, including board-level support, strong leadership, realistic expectations, a strong focus on benefits, a blueprint of future capability, a well-communicated vision, and ongoing stakeholder engagement. Adopting a well-established programme management framework can significantly aid in achieving these goals.
Organisations face numerous external influences, such as climate change, which impact their strategies. Programmes are then defined to implement desired outcomes through various projects that produce outputs, like new technologies or public awareness initiatives.
Within a programme, projects must be well-coordinated and directed to transition outputs into operational use, enabling organisational change. The strategic benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions, can then be measured and may further influence future strategies.
In conclusion, programme management is increasingly vital for both governments and businesses to transform effectively. For professionals, understanding frameworks like MSP can significantly boost career prospects, especially in the UK where it is the preferred certification. For project managers, moving into programme management can be a natural progression and a chance to stand out in the job market.
Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we explored the essential insights and strategies of programme management. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!