Program
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.
Explanation
Programs exist because managing related projects together yields benefits that would not be achievable if those projects were managed separately. For example, a telecommunications company rolling out a new network technology might group the infrastructure build-out project, the software development project, and the training project into a single program so they can share resources, align schedules, and coordinate dependencies.
Program management focuses on the interdependencies between its components and on realizing the strategic benefits that justified the program. A program manager coordinates efforts across projects but does not typically manage day-to-day project activities — that remains the responsibility of each project manager.
Programs are a key layer in organizational project management. They sit between individual projects and portfolios, helping organizations translate strategic objectives into coordinated execution while managing complexity that would overwhelm a single project structure.
Key Points
- •Groups related projects to achieve benefits not available individually
- •Managed by a program manager who coordinates across projects
- •Focuses on interdependencies and strategic benefit realization
- •Components include projects, subsidiary programs, and program activities
Exam Tip
The key word is "benefits." If the exam asks why projects are grouped into a program, the answer centers on obtaining benefits through coordinated management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Project
A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of projects, programs, subsidiary portfolios, and operations managed as a group to achieve strategic objectives.
Organizational Project Management (OPM)
Organizational Project Management (OPM) is a framework for executing strategy through projects, programs, and portfolios in conjunction with organizational enablers to achieve strategic goals.
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