Program Management Skill Overview

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    Category: Technical > Project management

Description

Program Management is a strategic approach to managing multiple related projects in a coordinated way to achieve overarching organizational goals. It involves planning, executing, and overseeing programs to ensure they align with business objectives and deliver value. Program managers focus on resource allocation, risk management, stakeholder communication, and performance tracking across projects. They integrate change management and optimize processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. By aligning program outcomes with strategic priorities, program managers drive innovation and ensure that all projects contribute to the organization's success. This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to adapt to changing environments while maintaining a clear vision of the program's objectives.

Expected Behaviors

  • Fundamental Awareness

    Individuals at this level have a basic understanding of program management concepts and terminology. They can identify key stakeholders and recognize the phases of a program lifecycle. Their knowledge is limited to fundamental principles, and they require guidance to apply these concepts in practical scenarios.

  • Novice

    Novices can create simple program schedules and draft basic charters. They begin to identify and assess risks and understand resource allocation basics. While they can track progress using basic metrics, they still need supervision and support to manage programs effectively.

  • Intermediate

    Intermediate practitioners develop comprehensive program plans and implement risk mitigation strategies. They facilitate stakeholder communication and manage budgets. They conduct performance reviews independently, demonstrating a solid understanding of program management processes and tools.

  • Advanced

    Advanced professionals optimize resource management across projects and lead cross-functional teams. They integrate change management into execution and align outcomes with organizational strategy. They are proficient in using advanced software and require minimal supervision, contributing significantly to program success.

  • Expert

    Experts design and implement governance frameworks, mentor managers, and drive strategic decision-making. They evaluate program impact on organizational goals and innovate methodologies. Their deep expertise allows them to lead complex programs, influencing high-level decisions and organizational direction.

Micro Skills

Defining 'project' and 'program'

Explaining the difference between a project and a program

Identifying common project management terms such as scope, schedule, and budget

Understanding the role of a program manager

Recognizing internal and external stakeholders

Understanding stakeholder roles and responsibilities

Mapping stakeholder influence and interest

Communicating effectively with stakeholders

Listing the phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure

Describing the purpose of each phase

Identifying key activities in each phase

Understanding the transition between phases

Defining program objectives

Aligning program objectives with organizational goals

Understanding how objectives guide program activities

Evaluating the success of a program based on its objectives

Identifying popular program management software

Understanding the basic functions of Gantt charts

Using spreadsheets for simple program tracking

Recognizing the role of dashboards in program management

Identifying key milestones and deliverables

Estimating task durations

Sequencing tasks logically

Assigning resources to tasks

Using scheduling software to create timelines

Defining program scope and objectives

Listing key stakeholders and their roles

Outlining high-level risks and assumptions

Establishing program governance structure

Documenting initial resource requirements

Brainstorming potential risks with the team

Categorizing risks by type and impact

Prioritizing risks based on likelihood and severity

Developing a risk register

Proposing initial risk mitigation strategies

Identifying available resources

Matching resources to program needs

Balancing resource workload

Adjusting allocations based on program changes

Communicating resource needs to stakeholders

Selecting relevant performance indicators

Collecting data on program activities

Analyzing data to assess progress

Reporting progress to stakeholders

Adjusting program plans based on performance data

Identifying program deliverables and milestones

Establishing program timelines and schedules

Allocating resources effectively

Coordinating with project managers for alignment

Conducting a risk assessment workshop

Prioritizing risks based on impact and likelihood

Developing contingency plans for high-priority risks

Monitoring risk indicators regularly

Communicating risk status to stakeholders

Identifying key stakeholders and their interests

Developing a stakeholder communication plan

Utilizing various communication channels effectively

Gathering and incorporating stakeholder feedback

Managing stakeholder expectations proactively

Creating a detailed program budget

Tracking expenses against the budget

Forecasting financial needs and adjustments

Reporting financial status to stakeholders

Ensuring compliance with financial regulations

Setting up performance metrics and KPIs

Collecting and analyzing performance data

Facilitating review meetings with stakeholders

Identifying areas for improvement

Documenting lessons learned and best practices

Analyzing resource utilization data

Balancing workload distribution among team members

Forecasting future resource needs

Implementing resource leveling techniques

Coordinating resource sharing between projects

Facilitating effective team meetings

Resolving conflicts within the team

Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing

Setting clear team goals and expectations

Providing constructive feedback to team members

Assessing the impact of changes on program objectives

Communicating changes effectively to stakeholders

Developing change management plans

Training team members on new processes

Monitoring the implementation of changes

Mapping program objectives to strategic goals

Identifying key performance indicators for alignment

Engaging with senior leadership for strategic input

Adjusting program plans to reflect strategic shifts

Evaluating program success in terms of strategic impact

Configuring software for program-specific needs

Automating routine program management tasks

Generating detailed program reports

Integrating software with other organizational systems

Training team members on software functionalities

Defining roles and responsibilities within the governance structure

Establishing decision-making processes and authority levels

Creating a framework for program oversight and accountability

Developing policies for risk management and compliance

Implementing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement and feedback

Identifying individual development needs and goals

Providing constructive feedback and performance evaluations

Facilitating skill-building workshops and training sessions

Encouraging reflective practice and continuous learning

Supporting career progression and professional growth

Analyzing data to inform strategic choices

Aligning program decisions with organizational priorities

Facilitating consensus among senior stakeholders

Evaluating potential impacts of strategic decisions

Communicating strategic direction to program teams

Defining key performance indicators and success metrics

Conducting impact assessments and evaluations

Analyzing program outcomes against objectives

Reporting findings to executive leadership

Recommending improvements based on evaluation results

Researching emerging trends and best practices

Piloting new tools and techniques in program management

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation

Assessing the effectiveness of new methodologies

Documenting and sharing innovative practices across the organization

Tech Experts

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StackFactor Team
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  • Expert
    5 years work experience
  • Achievement Ownership
    Yes
  • Micro-skills
    119
  • Roles requiring skill
    1
  • Customizable
    Yes
  • Last Update
    Thu Oct 17 2024
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