Program Management Practice & Techniques

by Tiffany C. Wright
A program management initiative can require significant manpower.

A program management initiative can require significant manpower.

Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Program management has the goal of achieving success for a program initiative -- which generally contains several related medium to large projects -- to enhance overall company performance. Program management includes oversight of planning, finances, infrastructure, personnel, performance and efficient use of resources to achieve objectives. Successful program management is often characterized by certain recognized best practices.


Planning involves converting strategic goals into program objectives. For a program to be successful, the leaders of the initiative must clearly define the scope and expected outcome and ensure they align with the company's strategic goals. One best practice is to check with company policy and procedures to ensure the program’s implementation methodology will mesh with the way the company normally does business and to identify resources, assumptions and risks. The program managers must also construct a plan that estimates and allocates necessary resources and break these down into individual project components.

Financial Management

Financial management involves the implementation of a particular set of fiscal practices and techniques to reduce risks and enhance a program's likelihood of success. Programs generally require significant company expenditures. Therefore, program managers must review internal and -- if applicable -- external policies and regulations to ensure the anticipated program budget complies. The managers must also develop and use specific procedures for making and reporting expenditures. The company’s highest ranking finance person must approve and remain involved in the budget process. Another best practice involves assigning a financial analyst to serve as the budget administrator to help ensure conformance.


Program management involves planning and administering the overall program and associated projects. As a best practice, programs often have three levels of management: the executive sponsor -- typically the owner, president or vice president; the program manager; and the project managers. The program manager must manage up and down, allocating and utilizing resources as needed and requesting assistance. The program manager works with the sponsor to identify and create performance parameters -- the critical success factors and the metrics -- then translate those parameters for each project component.


Infrastructure refers to the roles, responsibilities, tools and practices the company puts together to support the program's effort. As a best practice, companies often establish a program management office, especially if a program is one of several current or planned programs. Program infrastructure includes technology that helps the team communicate and track progress.


Governance involves clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the program and related projects and providing oversight to these individuals and the program as a whole. The sponsor ensures that deliverables remain aligned with the company's goals; the program manager ensures the program meets its objectives; and project managers oversee the day-to-day deliverables and performance. Program managers often use quantitative techniques, including charts and causal analysis, to analyze and correct.

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