PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

When implementing technology strategies, you require coordination between multiple, interdependent projects, teams and vendors. A program management approach is required. The fundamentals are the same but must be applied across a wide span of activities. Consistent application of strategies, controls and standards helps you optimize people, budget and technology to achieve your vision. Instituting program management principles helps:

• Coordinate various projects to achieve the organization’s mission and goals
• Document projects and commitments precisely
• Forecast, plan and prioritize resources across many projects to ensure timely availability
• Apply repeatable methods, consistent terminology and measurement devices
• Standardize project documentation (e.g., project plan, risk plan, resource plan, etc.) so that people can move effectively between projects
• Establish and communicate project condition to identify at-risk projects
• Ensure that different vendors use a consistent project vocabulary to communicate status and issues