A Framework for Programme Management
The Four Stages
There are the four stages in programme management:
- Programme identification
- Programme planning
- Programme delivery
- Programme closure
These stages take the programme from initiation, based on strategy or a desire for change, right through to the final realisation of a defined business objective or benefit.
Programme Identification
This is a high level process where the strategy and direction of the organisation are decided. It is from this that the programmes required to realise these strategies are determined. A document for each programme is produced outlining the business case, alignment to strategy, scope and the expected business objective or benefits. All benefits should be graded in accordance with their importance. I suggest three grades A, B and C. A's are those benefits that are of the highest value, often it is 20% of the programme that delivers 80% of the benefits. The B's those benefits that are seen as important but not essential. The C's are those benefits that if not realised will not prevent the programme being declared a success. This grading is used by the programme manager to assess the degree of success achieved at the end of the programme.
Programme Planning
The planning stage is where the design of the programme takes place. The programme manager in establishing the programme will:
- Define clear objectives
- Agree an approach
- Agree roles and responsibilities with the team
- Set-up communication channels
- Agree priorities of the projects that make up the programme
- Complete project planning
It is important at this stage to identify adequate levels of resource for the early projects and identify the requirements for later projects.
Programme Delivery
At this stage, the individual project managers run the identified projects. The programme manager's responsibility at this stage is to monitor progress, assess risks and report progress to the steering committee or leadership. The programme manager has a view across all projects and must ensure that the programme stays aligned with the overall objectives and strategy of the organisation.
Programme Closure
Like projects, programmes have a finite life and are closed once they achieve their defined business objective or benefit. Before the programme is closed, the programme manager must demonstrate to the steering committee or leadership that the desired benefits have been realised, often called 'benefits realisation'. These benefits are those that were identified in the first stage, programme identification. As these have been graded it is easy to quantify success e.g. 100% of 'A' graded benefits delivered. As a final task the programme manager should review the entire programme and document any lessons that have been learned that will enable future programmes to be run more effectively.