Concepts
This can be achieved by integrating plans for each constituent project and creating plans to support various program functions such as quality control, risk management, communication, and resource allocation. This will aid in forecasting, monitoring, and identifying variances during the program execution period.
I. Program Management Plan
A Program Management Plan is a crucial document that details the implementation, management, and control of the overall program. A well-structured plan ensures that the constituent projects align with the overall program goals and that there is a mechanism for managing dependencies, risks, and changes in the program.
The development of the plan incorporates the following components:
- Integration of Project Plans: It involves consolidating the schedules, risks, and dependencies of all constituent projects. This will provide a consolidated view of the entire program and help identify potential conflicts or dependencies between the projects.
- Quality Management: It looks out for the procedures and standards that the program has to adhere to ensure the output’s quality. This may include template definitions, standards for documentation, review processes, testing strategies, etc.
- Risk Management: It involves identifying potential risks that could interfere with the program’s delivery. This includes planning for risk assessment, mitigation plans, and communication strategy for risks.
- Communication Plan: This section defines the mode, frequency, and recipients of communication that will occur during the program. It facilitates the decision-making process and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Resource Management: It involves planning for the resources required for the program, such as people, technology, money, and materials. This includes determining resource needs, sourcing strategy, and scheduling.
II. Program Schedule Management
The Program Schedule is a timeline that identifies the key milestones and deliverables for the entire program. It helps to monitor the progress of each project and the program as a whole.
Creating an effective program schedule involves the following steps:
- Define program activities: List out all of the tasks that need to be completed in the course of the program.
- Sequence activities: Decide the order in which the activities will be carried out. This step involves understanding the dependencies between tasks.
- Estimate activity durations: Based on the resources available and activity complexity, the duration for each activity is estimated.
- Develop the program schedule: The schedule is created by allocating resources to each activity and determining the start and end dates for each of them.
III. Program Execution and Management
During the program execution phase, the program management plan and schedule serve as the primary reference and control documents. They allow the program manager to monitor progress, identify variances, and take necessary corrective action.
- Monitor progress: Track the actual performance against the planned performance for each project and the program as a whole.
- Identify variances: Variances are identified as deviations from the original plan. They can be related to time, cost, scope, quality, risks, etc.
- Take corrective action: Once the variances have been identified, corrective action is taken to bring the projects and program back on track. This could involve re-estimating tasks, reallocating resources, revising the schedule, or even changing the scope of the program.
In conclusion, developing a comprehensive program management plan and schedule is a significant step in preparing for the Program Management Professional (PgMP) exam. This requires understanding and applying concepts related to integrating project plans, quality management, risk management, communication planning, and resource management. It ultimately leads to effective forecasting, monitoring, and variance identification during program execution.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: In order to establish program management plans and schedules, it is not necessary to integrate plans for constituent projects.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Integrating plans for constituent projects is a critical part of establishing a program management plan and schedule. This allows for a comprehensive overview of the program and facilitates effective forecasting and monitoring.
Which of the following are common supporting program functions which typically require plans? (Select all that apply)
- A. Quality
- B. Risk
- C. Communication
- D. Resources
- E. Profits
Answer: A. Quality, B. Risk, C. Communication, D. Resources
Explanation: Quality, Risk, Communication, and Resources are key supporting functions in program management and requires proper planning. Although profits are important, they are generally not considered a supporting function in the context of program planning.
True or False: Identifying variances during program execution is unnecessary once a solid program management plan is established.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: It is vital to identify variances during program execution, despite the strength of the initial plan. This allows for adjustments and helps ensure the planned outcomes are still achievable.
In the context of program management, what does effective forecasting help to determine?
- A. The potential risks that may arise
- B. The potential outcomes of the program
- C. The estimated budget needed
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Effective forecasting in program management is a comprehensive approach and helps identify potential risks, outcomes, and the estimated budget.
The main aim of the program management plan is to:
- A. Win client approval
- B. Forecast potential risks
- C. Effectively monitor and address potential variances during program execution
- D. Determine the quality of the constituent projects
Answer: C. Effectively monitor and address potential variances during program execution
Explanation: The fundamental goal of a program management plan is to effectively monitor program execution and quickly address potential variances.
True or False: Program communication planning should consider all stakeholders, internal and external, that will be affected by the program.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In program management, communication planning is essential and this should consider all stakeholders, both internal and external.
Resources planning in program management primarily refers to:
- A. Human Resources only
- B. Financial resources only
- C. Both Human and Financial Resources
- D. Technological Resources
Answer: C. Both Human and Financial Resources
Explanation: Resource planning in the context of program management includes not only human resources but also financial resources. Technological resources could also be a part of it based on the type of program.
The key elements which need to be factored into a quality plan include:
- A. Quality Assurance
- B. Quality Control
- C. Profit Margins
- D. Quality Improvement
Answer: A. Quality Assurance, B. Quality Control, D. Quality Improvement
Explanation: Quality plan in program management comprises of Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Quality Improvement. Profit margins, although important, are not a factor in quality planning.
In program management, risk planning aims to:
- A. Eliminate all risks
- B. Predict all possible risks
- C. Identify, assess and mitigate risks
- D. Increase the profits of the program
Answer: C. Identify, assess and mitigate risks
Explanation: The main goal of risk planning in program management is to identify, assess and mitigate risks, not to eliminate or predict all risks or increase profits.
True or False: During program execution, if there are no variances identified, there’s no need to monitor the program plan.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Regardless of whether variances are identified or not, continuous monitoring of the program plan is a crucial part of program management.
Great post! Integrating plans for supporting functions like quality and risk is key to successful program management.
I appreciate this detailed look into program management planning! Helps a lot with my PgMP studies.
One challenge I often face is aligning all constituent project plans into a cohesive program schedule. Any tips?
Interesting read. Risk management has always been tricky for me. How do you ensure all projects have consistent risk plans?
Thanks! This is very insightful, especially the part about integrating communication plans.
Excellent breakdown! Could you elaborate on forecasting techniques used during program execution?
This post really nailed it! Integrating resource plans has always been a challenge for me.
Helpful post for PgMP aspirants. I feel more confident about my exam preparation.