Project Management

Programme Management for Strategic Initiatives

Strategic initiatives such as market entry, digital transformation or organisational change need programme management to coordinate many projects towards common outcomes. This course covers programme definition, blueprint and roadmap, governance, benefits management, stakeholder engagement, resource coordination and programme assurance.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

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

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Strategy succeeds or fails in execution. You will learn how to structure and lead programmes that deliver strategic results.

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.

Programme design workshops, case studies, governance simulations and blueprint exercises.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Explain programme management principles
Define programme vision, blueprint and roadmap
Establish programme governance and roles
Coordinate projects, resources and dependencies
Manage programme benefits and stakeholders
Assure programme health and progress

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Programme managers
Senior project managers
Strategy and transformation managers
PMO heads
Programme sponsors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Programme design
Roadmapping
Governance
Dependency management
Benefits focus

Course outline

Your learning journey.

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

Day 1Programme Fundamentals

09:00–10:08Programmes versus projects
10:08–11:00Programme life cycle
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Programme life cycle (continued)
11:45–12:53Roles
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Vision and Blueprint

09:00–10:08Vision statement
10:08–11:00Target operating model
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Target operating model (continued)
11:45–12:53Roadmap
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Governance and Coordination

09:00–10:08Boards and decision rights
10:08–11:00Dependencies
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Dependencies (continued)
11:45–12:53Resource coordination
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 4Benefits and Stakeholders

09:00–10:08Benefits profiles
10:08–11:00Stakeholder engagement
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Stakeholder engagement (continued)
11:45–12:53Communications
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Assurance

09:00–10:08Health checks
10:08–11:00Tranche reviews
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Tranche reviews (continued)
11:45–12:53Closing programmes
12:53–14:00Action plan

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.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.