Concepts
Understanding and incorporating the right objectives that are consistent with organizational governance requirements is a fundamental responsibility for any PgMP certified professional, and in many ways, is fundamental to effective program management. These objectives should be directly tied to the governance structure of the organization and mirror the overarching legitimized values and principles.
Identifying Program Objectives Consistent with Organizational Governance Requirements
As a certified Program Management Professional (PgMP), it’s critical to be able to set program objectives that are consistent with an organization’s governance requirements. These objectives must tie directly to the program’s strategic objectives, in order to optimize outcomes and deliver value to stakeholders.
Governance requirements are shaped by various factors including laws, regulations, contract requirements, and organizational policies and rules that govern how an organization operates and interacts with its stakeholders. They define the environment within which a program conducts its activities and must be considered when establishing the program objectives.
A clear example of incorporating governance requirements into the program’s objectives might look like this;
If an organization operates within a heavily regulated sector, let’s say the healthcare industry for instance, a PgMP professional must incorporate compliance objectives into the program’s strategy. This could involve building and maintaining infrastructure needed to comply with regulatory reporting or following specific procedures for patient data handling and privacy.
Why Organization-specific Governance is a Key Factor
Each organization has specific, unique rules and regulations for governance, which can vary vastly depending on the industry, market, and conditions in which they operate. For this reason, a PgMP must have a deep understanding of the internal and external constraints that the organization they work for operates under.
Reflecting governance requirements within the objectives of a program can improve decision-making processes, maximize resource allocation, and improve the likelihood of overall program success. It also demonstrates a program’s alignment with broader business strategy, and can thereby increase the support and buy-in from a broad range of stakeholders.
Leveraging Tools and Techniques for Governance Alignment
To effectively align program objectives with governance requirements, a PgMP might make use of various tools and techniques such as SWOT analysis, benchmarking, or risk analysis. These approaches can help to identify the intersection between governance requirements and potential program objectives.
| Tools and Techniques | Description |
|---|---|
| SWOT Analysis | Identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to governance to help shape objectives |
| Benchmarking | Compares the organization’s governance with industry standards to identify gaps and set objectives |
| Risk Analysis | Assesses potential risks in not meeting governance requirements to prioritize objectives |
In conclusion, setting program objectives that are consistently aligned with organizational governance requirements is a must for any PgMP professional. Accomplishing this effectively requires a clear understanding of the governance landscape, a commitment to aligning objectives with these requirements, and the strategic application of various tools and techniques.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True/False: objectives consistent with organizational governance requirements are an essential part of any program’s risk management process.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Organizational governance requirements contribute to the overall governance and structure of the program but are not specifically part of the risk management process.
The objective of organizational governance within a program should:
- a) Align with the organization’s strategic goals.
- b) Ignore the stakeholders’ interests.
- c) Avoid compliance with local laws and regulations.
- d) Overlook the scope of the program.
Answer: a) Align with the organization’s strategic goals.
Explanation: A key objective of organizational governance within a program is to ensure alignment with the organisation’s strategic goals and directions.
True/False: A program manager has no role to play in ensuring that program objectives are consistent with organizational governance requirements.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Program manager plays a key role in ensuring that the objectives of the program align with organizational governance requirements.
Multiple select: Which of the following characteristics are associated with objectives consistent with organizational governance in Project Management?
- a) Coordination of resources
- b) Alignment with strategic objectives
- c) Ignorance of risk management
- d) Compliance with local laws and regulations
Answer: a) Coordination of resources, b) Alignment with strategic objectives, d) Compliance with local laws and regulations
Explanation: These characteristics- coordination of resources, alignment with strategic objectives and compliance with regulations- are critical to fulfill organizational governance requirements.
A consistent objective with organizational governance requirements aims to:
- a) Improve shareholder value
- b) Increase complexity in project management
- c) Disregard stakeholders’ interests
- d) Avoid assessing program benefits and risks
Answer: a) Improve shareholder value
Explanation: The objective of program management consistent with governance requirements aim to improve shareholder value, providing strategic value to the organization.
True/False: It is not necessary for the objectives of the program to be consistent with organizational governance requirements.
- Answer: False
Explanation: It is fundamental for the program’s objectives to align with the organisation’s governance requirements to ensure strategic alignment, proper risk management, and regulatory compliance.
Objectives consistent with organizational governance requirements are also responsible for:
- a) Ignoring communication management
- b) Reducing project risk
- c) Overlooking quality control
- d) Minimizing stakeholder engagement
Answer: b) Reducing project risk
Explanation: One of the aims of aligning program objectives with organizational governance is to manage and reduce risk through improved oversight and strategic alignment.
True/False: Inconsistent objectives with organizational governance requirements can lead to program failure.
- Answer: True
Explanation: If the program objectives aren’t in line with organizational governance requirements, it can lead to a lack of focus, mismanagement, and even program failure.
The objective of ensuring consistency with organizational governance requirements is to:
- a) Encourage silos in program management
- b) Reduce efficiency
- c) Provide controls and oversight
- d) Avoid stakeholder engagement
Answer: c) Provide controls and oversight
Explanation: Organizational governance aims to provide adequate controls and oversight, ensuring that roles, responsibilities, and processes are clear and adhered to.
True/False: Objectives consistent with organizational governance requirements do not have a significant impact on project success.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Having objectives in line with organizational governance requirements provides a strategic direction, promotes efficient resource management, and contributes significantly to project success.
Maintaining consistency with organizational governance requirements allows the program to:
- a) Disregard the role of stakeholders
- b) Avoid risk assessment
- c) Undermine strategic goals
- d) Deliver value to stakeholders
Answer: d) Deliver value to stakeholders
Explanation: When a program’s objectives are consistent with organizational governance, it effectively manages resources and aligns with strategic goals, thus delivering maximum value to stakeholders.
True/False: Objectives consistent with organizational governance requirements help to mitigate legal and financial risks.
- Answer: True
Explanation: By adhering to organizational governance requirements, program management can ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, thereby mitigating potential legal and financial risks.
Great post on aligning program objectives with organizational governance requirements!
Does anyone have practical examples of how they ensured their program objectives were consistent with governance requirements?
I appreciate the insights provided in this blog.
One critical aspect is integrating governance requirements into the program’s performance metrics. This ensures ongoing alignment.
Any suggestions for tools that help in aligning program objectives with governance requirements?
Does adhering to governance requirements slow down program execution?
Thanks for this informative post!
I found the suggestions very useful. Governance is often overlooked but crucial.