Program manager
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A program manager is a person responsible for coordinating the activities of a program, which is a set of related projects that are managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually. The program manager oversees the projects, ensures that the objectives of the program are met, that the projects are completed on time and within budget, and that the benefits of the program are realized.
The job responsibilities of a program manager include:
- Developing the scope and objectives of the program and ensuring that all projects within the program are aligned with it
- Establishing a governance framework and ensuring that all stakeholders adhere to it
- Managing financial resources and budgets for the program
- Allocating resources among projects
- Monitoring progress of projects and ensuring that quality standards are met
- Identifying and mitigating risks and resolving conflicts
- Developing and implementing program plans
- Tracking and reporting program performance
- Coordinating with other programs, as needed
Example of Program manager
The program manager at a tech company is responsible for overseeing the development of new software products. This includes developing the scope and objectives, establishing a governance framework, managing resources and budgets, allocating resources among projects, monitoring progress, identifying and mitigating risks, developing and implementing program plans, tracking and reporting program performance, and coordinating with other programs, as needed. The program manager must ensure that all projects within the program are completed on time and within budget and that the benefits of the program are realized.
When to use Program manager
Program manager is a role that should be used when a number of projects need to be managed in a coordinated manner to achieve a desired outcome and obtain benefits that would not be possible with managing the projects individually. It is most effective when the projects are interrelated, share objectives, and require coordination of resources, schedules, and budgets. In addition, programs can be used to manage projects that have a long duration, or involve multiple stakeholders and organizations.
Program manager is also ideal for complex projects that require a high degree of organization and coordination of resources. The program manager can ensure that all projects are executed according to plan, and that the objectives of the program are met. By monitoring the progress of all projects, the program manager can ensure that any potential risks are identified and addressed in a timely manner.
Types of Program manager
- Technical Program Manager: A technical program manager is responsible for overseeing the development of software, hardware, and other technical products. This includes overseeing the design, development, and testing processes, as well as managing the technical team and ensuring that all technical requirements are met.
- Project Program Manager: A project program manager is responsible for overseeing the delivery of a program of projects. This includes managing the project teams and ensuring that the projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Business Program Manager: A business program manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of a program of business initiatives. This includes managing the stakeholders and ensuring that the initiatives are completed in line with the organization's objectives.
Advantages of Program manager
A program manager can bring several advantages to a program, including:
- Improved coordination among projects, as the program manager maintains a holistic view of the program
- Improved resource utilization, as the program manager is able to identify and manage resource conflicts
- Improved financial oversight, as the program manager is able to monitor and control the financial resources allocated to the program
- Improved quality control, as the program manager is able to ensure that all projects adhere to the same quality standards
- Improved risk management, as the program manager is able to identify and mitigate risks across the program
Limitations of Program manager
Program managers are not omnipotent and there are certain limitations to their work. These include:
- Program managers cannot control the resources or budget of the program, as these are typically determined by the organization.
- Program managers cannot change the scope or objectives of a program once it has been established.
- Program managers cannot control external factors such as market conditions or industry trends.
- Program managers cannot guarantee that projects within a program will be completed on time or within budget.
- Project Portfolio Management: This approach focuses on managing multiple projects at once, usually related to a specific strategic goal, and balancing resources among them.
- Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): This technique is used to analyze the complex relationships among various project activities and to determine the minimum amount of time needed to complete the project.
- Critical Path Method (CPM): This method is used to identify the sequence of activities that must be completed to reach a particular goal and the maximum amount of time that can be allotted for each activity.
The job responsibilities of a program manager involve developing and implementing strategies and techniques to efficiently manage multiple projects at once. They must have an understanding of project portfolio management and techniques such as PERT and CPM in order to effectively coordinate all the activities of the program and ensure its successful completion.
Suggested literature
- Eckerd, A., & Snider, K. (2017). Does the program manager matter? New public management and defense acquisition. The American Review of Public Administration, 47(1), 36-57.
- Gadeken, O. C. (2004). The ideal program manager. DEFENSE AT AND L, 33, 14-17.
- Creese, A., & Parker, D. (1994). Cost Analysis in Primary Health Care. A Training Manual for Programme Managers. WHO Publications Center USA, 49 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210.
