Concepts
The translation of strategic objectives into high-level program scope statements is a crucial step in the implementation of a program. This involves negotiating with stakeholders, including sponsors, to create a detailed program scope description. This process is highly significant as it provides the foundation for effectively managing program activities and ensures alignment with the overall strategic objectives of the organisation.
Understanding Strategic Objectives
Strategic objectives are the overarching goals that guide the direction and strategy of an organization. They align the efforts of the workforce towards a common purpose and provide a yardstick with which to measure progress. These objectives are broad, long-term and encompass different facets of an organization’s operations.
Translating these objectives into operational terms that program managers can use to develop specific initiatives requires detailed understanding, clear communication and negotiation skills.
High-Level Program Scope Statements
A program scope statement provides a detailed description of all aspects of a program, including what the project will deliver (output), the effort required to produce the deliverable (work), and the impact the program will have on the organization (benefits). It sets clear boundaries for what the program will and will not do, sets expectations and provides a baseline for measuring progress and change.
High-level program scope statements are precise, encompassing, and concise elements that outline the breadth and depth of a program. These guidelines are used to direct the appropriate activities, resources and schedules involved within the project.
The Translation Process and Negotiation with Stakeholders
Translating strategic objectives into high-level program scope statements involves several steps. The first is understanding the strategic objectives. This requires clear and transparent communication with upper management and other key stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the strategic aims.
Next, these strategic objectives need to be broken down into operational activities that can be managed within the framework of a program. These operational activities need to be assessed in terms of their feasibility, the resources required, potential risks, and the expected benefits.
At this stage, it’s crucial to engage all stakeholders involved within the project, including sponsors, to ensure that their interests, concerns, and expectations are reflected in the program scope. This might involve negotiating to balance differing viewpoints, manage expectations, or secure resources.
Finalizing the program scope will involve reaching a consensus on what the program will deliver and the resources needed. This final scope description should then be documented and agreed upon by all the key stakeholders.
For instance, here is how an imaginary healthcare initiative’s strategic objective could be translated into a high-level program scope:
- Strategic Objective: Improve patient care through medical innovations.
- High-Level Program Scope: The program will develop a new electronic health records system that increases efficiency, maintains confidentiality and advances patient care.
- Stakeholder Negotiation: Discussions with doctors, nurses, administrators, and IT staff will identify what features the new system needs, balancing concerns about usability, security, and cost.
- Final Scope Description: The new system will features an intuitive interface, strong data encryption, and be implemented in stages to minimize disruption.
To conclude, translating strategic objectives into high-level program scope statements requires a deep understanding of the organization’s strategic goals, the ability to translate these into operational terms, and strong negotiation skills to ensure the scope reflects the needs and expectations of all stakeholders. This process is critical to ensuring program success and alignment to the organization’s overall strategy. Such a skill set is critical for anyone looking to pass the PgMP examination and become a successful program manager.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Strategic objectives are not necessary for creating a high-level program scope statement.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Strategic objectives form the basis for creating high-level program scope statements. They provide the direction and targets that guide the execution of the program.
True or False: Program scope descriptions can be created independent of stakeholders and sponsors.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Stakeholder engagement and negotiations are crucial in creating a program scope description. They help enrich the program scope with inputs and perspectives that facilitate a more comprehensive scope statement.
What is the main goal of translating strategic objectives into high-level program scope statements?
- A. Increasing project budget
- B. Reducing project risk
- C. Aligning program to strategic goals
- D. Avoiding stakeholder engagement
Answer: C. Aligning program to strategic goals
Explanation: Translating strategic objectives into program scope statements ensures that the program is directly aligned to the strategic goals of the organization.
Multiple select: What information should be included in a high-level program scope statement?
- A. Cost estimates
- B. Stakeholder analysis
- C. Goals and objectives
- D. Technical requirements
Answer: C. Goals and objectives and D. Technical requirements
Explanation: A high-level program scope statement defines the program goals and objectives, and the technical requirements necessary to achieve those goals.
True or False: The program sponsor is not considered a stakeholder.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A sponsor is always considered a stakeholder. They not only fund the program but also have vested interests in its successful completion and so, they possess decision-making capabilities.
Single select: What is the main purpose of a program scope description?
- A. To define the program’s strategic objectives
- B. To define the program’s estimated budget
- C. To describe the program’s customizable features
- D. To define what is and is not included in the program
Answer: D. To define what is and is not included in the program
Explanation: A program scope description aids in defining what is included and what is not part of the program – helping to provide direction and focus.
True or False: Stakeholder’s input during program scope description is optional.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Stakeholder involvement is pivotal during the development of the program scope description. Their input provides a comprehensive understanding of the program requirements.
Which of the following are necessary for creating a comprehensive program scope description?
- A. Stakeholder engagement
- B. Communication plan
- C. Risk management strategy
- D. Project budget estimation
Answer: A. Stakeholder engagement
Explanation: Engaging stakeholders enriches the program scope by incorporating various perspectives and expectations.
Single select: The process of translating strategic objectives into program scope statements can be skipped if you already have a detailed project plan.
- A. True
- B. False
Answer: B. False
Explanation: Even with a detailed project plan, translating strategic objectives into program scope statements is important. It helps to align the program with the strategic goals of the organization.
True or False: Negotiating with stakeholders can alter the strategic objectives and scope of a program.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Depending on the inputs and concerns of the stakeholders during negotiations, strategic objectives, and hence the program scope, can get altered to some extent. It’s a continuous process of alignment with organizational goals while meeting stakeholders’ expectations.
Single select: Program scope descriptions should be…
- A. Broad and generic
- B. Specific and detailed
- C. Adjustable and ambiguous
- D. Long and complex
Answer: B. Specific and detailed
Explanation: A well-defined program scope description leaves no room for ambiguity and helps set clear expectations for all involved parties.
True or False: Sponsors do not play a significant role in the creation of a program scope description.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Sponsors not only finance the program, they are crucial stakeholders who can influence the scope, direction, and strategic objectives of a program.
Great insights on translating strategic objectives into program scope statements!
How do you ensure all stakeholder requirements are incorporated into the high-level program scope?
Thanks for sharing this. Very useful for my PgMP exam prep!
Negotiating with sponsors can be challenging. Any tips?
This blog post didn’t cover risk management in program scope. That’s a bit of a letdown.
Appreciate the detailed explanation on creating a program scope description.
For large programs, how do you keep the scope from creeping?
Anyone here successfully cleared PgMP? How did you handle program scope in your experience?