Successful project managers are those who have a unique focus that is shaped by the organization's strategic goals, resources, and schedules. They can expertly manage a program of projects by looking across the program to ensure a strategic fit for the organization. This level of technical skill requires the project manager to be able to effectively organize the smallest of details, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques to understand the current state of the program. At the same time, the project manager must also have the ability to engage and motivate people to complete the work at the highest professional level. Finally, effective project managers must be able to design executive-level reporting that informs leadership of the program status. At the completion of this course, you will understand the intricacies of managing various functions and activities across multiple projects and effective management and communication techniques to employ for various stakeholders. Utilize the provided case study and conduct a research. Create a program report for a hypothetical organization.
Demonstrate your mastery in the following:
• Distinguish between project-, program-, and portfolio-level management approaches for supporting organizational strategies
• Analyze project methodologies for maintaining consistency in organizational design
• Determine appropriate metrics within portfolio management for aligning to organizational goals
• Examine the program management life cycle from initiation to benefits realization for ensuring organizational sustainability
Overview: Provide a concise overview of the organization in the given case study, including pertinent information about the organization's program of projects.
Project Hierarchy
Differentiate your project, program, and portfolio management. What are the differences and similarities of managing each level? Compare the advantages and disadvantages of managing projects at program and portfolio levels. Provide detailed examples to support your claims. Determine the most advantageous organizational structure for portfolio and program management to ensure organizational strategic goals are met. Provide detailed examples to support your claims.
Project Methodology
Identify the key advantages to the organization of having a project methodology. Outline which components of project methodology are used at each stage of the program life cycle? Recommend a project methodology for the organization that is consistent with the organizational design. Include a description of the methodology's approach and the key deliverables needed at each life stage of the program. Explain potential challenges to implementing this project methodology for the organization. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the recommended methodology when determining potential challenges.
Metrics and Measurements
Determine the common metrics used to measure the alignment of the program to the organization's strategic goals. Explain where the metrics fit into the framework and dimensions of the balanced scorecard. Create a balanced scorecard for a program of projects using a standard framework. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a balanced scorecard within the organization highlighted in the case study. Determine the key measurements necessary throughout the program life cycle (initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing. Propose a method for capturing realized benefits within the organization to ensure the overall program strategy has been met.