Project Management

Program Management Professional (PgMP)

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Program Management principles, focusing on the skills necessary to manage multiple related projects effectively. Participants will learn to align projects with organisational strategy, manage stakeholder expectations, and deliver value through integrated programme management.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Managing multiple projects within a programme requires a strategic approach to ensure alignment with organisational goals and efficient resource utilisation. Professionals often face challenges in coordinating resources, managing interdependencies, and meeting stakeholder expectations. This course addresses these issues by providing practical tools and techniques for effective programme management, enabling participants to navigate complexities and drive successful outcomes. Participants will learn to assess programme performance, develop stakeholder engagement plans, and implement risk management strategies, which are essential in making informed decisions that enhance overall project delivery, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic alignment.

Engaging in hands-on exercises that simulate real-world programme management scenarios, participants will develop capabilities in stakeholder analysis, programme planning, risk management, and performance measurement. They will practise creating programme charters, stakeholder engagement plans, and risk management strategies. By applying these skills, participants will enhance their decision-making abilities and improve their capacity to lead programmes that deliver tangible benefits to their organisations. This course equips professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage programmes, ensuring they can contribute to their organisation's strategic objectives and drive project success while addressing the complexities of programme dynamics.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of case studies, simulations, and collaborative workshops to enhance learning. Participants will analyse fictional programme scenarios, develop programme charters, and create stakeholder engagement plans. Each session culminates in practical outputs, such as risk assessment matrices and performance dashboards, which participants can apply in their own work environments. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience in applying programme management techniques effectively. Additionally, peer feedback sessions will encourage collaborative learning and critical thinking, enabling participants to refine their skills in a supportive environment while preparing them for real-world challenges.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Assess programme alignment with organisational strategy and objectives by analysing project portfolios.
Design a comprehensive programme charter that outlines scope, governance, and objectives.
Prioritise stakeholder engagement strategies based on influence, interest, and potential impact.
Calculate programme risks using qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to inform decision-making.
Construct a performance measurement baseline for programme tracking and reporting.
Justify resource allocation decisions based on programme priorities and stakeholder needs.
Evaluate programme success against established objectives and stakeholder satisfaction metrics.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Programme Managers responsible for overseeing multiple projects and ensuring strategic alignment.
Project Managers seeking to advance their skills in programme management and coordination.
Business Analysts involved in strategic planning and execution of programme objectives.
Senior Executives overseeing project portfolios and strategic initiatives to drive organisational success.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Aligning projects with strategic objectives and organisational goals.
Developing and managing stakeholder relationships effectively throughout the programme lifecycle.
Implementing risk management frameworks to identify and mitigate programme risks.
Establishing performance metrics and monitoring systems for programme success.
Facilitating effective communication across project teams and stakeholders.
Utilising programme management tools and techniques to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Foundations of Programme Management

Applied activity: In small groups, participants will create a visual representation of the Programme Management Life Cycle, identifying key activities and deliverables for each phase, and discussing their relevance to real-world scenarios. Each group will present their findings to the class for feedback and discussion.

Output: A comprehensive diagram illustrating the Programme Management Life Cycle with annotations.

09:00–09:54Define programme management and its importance in achieving strategic goals.
09:54–10:48Identify the key differences between projects and programmes in a business context.
10:48–11:00Explore the Programme Management Life Cycle phases and their significance.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore the Programme Management Life Cycle phases and their significance. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the role of a Programme Manager in ensuring strategic alignment.
13:06–14:00Examine the principles of stakeholder engagement and communication.

Day 2Developing a Programme Charter

Applied activity: Participants will draft a programme charter for a fictional programme, including objectives, scope, governance structure, and stakeholder roles based on a provided scenario. They will present their charters to peers for critique, focusing on clarity and alignment with strategic goals.

Output: A completed programme charter document ready for stakeholder review.

09:00–09:54Outline the components of an effective programme charter and its role in governance.
09:54–10:48Discuss governance structures and decision-making processes within programmes.
10:48–11:00Identify stakeholders and their roles in the programme, including responsibilities and expectations.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identify stakeholders and their roles in the programme, including responsibilities and expectations. (continued)
12:12–13:06Establish clear programme objectives and success criteria aligned with business goals.
13:06–14:00Create a high-level programme scope statement that defines boundaries and deliverables.

Day 3Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Applied activity: Using a case study, participants will identify key stakeholders for their programme and develop a tailored engagement plan to address their needs and concerns. They will role-play stakeholder interactions to practise their communication strategies and refine their approach.

Output: A stakeholder engagement plan detailing strategies and communication methods.

09:00–09:54Analyse stakeholder influence and interest using a power/interest grid to prioritise engagement.
09:54–10:48Develop strategies for effective stakeholder communication tailored to different audiences.
10:48–11:00Explore techniques for managing stakeholder expectations and addressing concerns proactively.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore techniques for managing stakeholder expectations and addressing concerns proactively. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the importance of stakeholder feedback in driving programme success and adjustments.
13:06–14:00Create a stakeholder engagement plan that outlines communication strategies and responsibilities.

Day 4Risk Management in Programmes

Applied activity: Participants will conduct a risk assessment for their programme charter, identifying potential risks, assessing their impact and likelihood, and developing mitigation strategies to address them effectively. They will present their findings to the group for collaborative feedback.

Output: A risk assessment matrix with identified risks, their assessments, and mitigation plans.

09:00–09:54Identify common risks in programme management and their potential impacts on success.
09:54–10:48Apply qualitative and quantitative risk assessment techniques to evaluate programme risks.
10:48–11:00Develop risk response strategies for identified risks, including mitigation and contingency plans.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Develop risk response strategies for identified risks, including mitigation and contingency plans. (continued)
12:12–13:06Establish a risk management plan and monitoring process to track risks throughout the programme.
13:06–14:00Discuss the role of risk management in stakeholder communication and decision-making.

Day 5Performance Measurement and Programme Success

Applied activity: Participants will create a performance measurement dashboard for their programme, including KPIs and reporting mechanisms based on their earlier work. They will simulate a presentation of their dashboard to stakeholders, focusing on clarity and actionable insights.

Output: A performance measurement dashboard that summarises programme performance metrics.

09:00–09:54Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for programmes that align with strategic objectives.
09:54–10:48Establish a performance measurement baseline to track progress and success.
10:48–11:00Discuss techniques for monitoring and reporting programme performance to stakeholders.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Discuss techniques for monitoring and reporting programme performance to stakeholders. (continued)
12:12–13:06Explore the use of dashboards for performance tracking and communication of results.
13:06–14:00Evaluate programme success against established objectives and stakeholder satisfaction metrics.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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