In a competitive business landscape, the ability to execute strategy is a critical differentiator. This "Architecting Success: Strategic Project and Program Management Training Course" is a comprehensive program designed to bridge the gap between high-level business strategy and on-the-ground project execution. It moves beyond tactical project management to focus on the art of program management, enabling you to align a portfolio of projects with organizational goals. This training empowers you to think and act as a strategic leader, ensuring that every project you manage contributes directly to your company's long-term vision and success.

This 10-day intensive course provides a strategic toolkit for professionals seeking to manage complex initiatives. You will learn how to select, prioritize, and manage projects that deliver maximum value, while effectively mitigating risks and managing a diverse group of stakeholders. The curriculum covers key topics such as benefits realization, change management, and governance frameworks, providing you with the skills to not only deliver projects on time and on budget but also to ensure they produce tangible, strategic outcomes. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to lead a portfolio of projects that drive organizational growth and innovation.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers
• Program Managers
• Portfolio Managers
• Business Leaders
• Consultants
• IT Directors
• Senior Managers
• Strategic Planners
• Change Management Specialists
• Individuals aspiring to a strategic leadership role

Objectives:

• Differentiate between project, program, and portfolio management
• Align projects and programs with organizational strategy
• Select and prioritize projects based on strategic value
• Develop and manage a portfolio of interconnected projects
• Master benefits realization and value delivery
• Implement robust governance and oversight frameworks
• Understand the role of change management in strategic initiatives
• Effectively communicate strategy to project teams and stakeholders
• Mitigate risks and dependencies across a program
• Measure the strategic impact of projects and programs

Course Modules:

Module 1: From Projects to Programs to Strategy

• Defining project, program, and portfolio management
• The link between organizational strategy and project execution
• The role of a program manager as a strategic leader
• Key differences in mindset for each level of management
• Case studies in strategic alignment

Module 2: Strategic Planning and Prioritization

• Techniques for translating strategy into projects
• Using a strategic lens to evaluate new project requests
• Tools for project prioritization and selection
• The importance of a strategic portfolio backlog
• Aligning resources with strategic priorities

Module 3: Benefits Realization Management

• Defining and tracking project and program benefits
• Creating a benefits realization plan
• Differentiating between tangible and intangible benefits
• Ensuring benefits are realized after project completion
• The role of a benefits owner

Module 4: Program Governance and Oversight

• Establishing a strong governance structure
• The role of the program management office (PMO)
• Decision-making authority and escalation paths
• Reporting and communication frameworks
• Ensuring transparency and accountability

Module 5: Financial Management and Value Delivery

• Strategic budgeting for programs
• Measuring and reporting return on investment (ROI)
• Financial forecasting and budget control
• Maximizing value with limited resources
• The importance of a business case

Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Identifying and analyzing strategic stakeholders
• Communicating the program vision and value proposition
• Managing conflicting stakeholder interests
• Building relationships with executive sponsors
• The importance of a multi-tiered communication plan

Module 7: Strategic Risk and Issue Management

• Identifying and assessing strategic risks
• Developing a program-level risk management plan
• Managing dependencies and risks across multiple projects
• The role of risk mitigation strategies
• Crisis management and business continuity planning

Module 8: Leading Strategic Change

• The program manager as a change agent
• Understanding the human side of change
• Developing a change management plan
• Communicating the need for change
• Overcoming resistance to change

Module 9: Program Scheduling and Roadmapping

• Creating a high-level program roadmap
• Integrating project schedules into a master plan
• Managing program timelines and milestones
• The role of a program schedule in communicating progress
• Adapting to shifts in strategic priorities

Module 10: Team Leadership in a Strategic Context

• Building and leading a high-performing program team
• The importance of emotional intelligence and influence
• Mentoring project managers and team members
• Fostering a culture of strategic thinking
• Recognizing and rewarding strategic contributions

Module 11: Performance Measurement and Metrics

• Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) at the program level
• Using metrics to measure strategic progress
• Dashboard and reporting best practices
• Conducting program reviews and audits
• The importance of continuous improvement

Module 12: Vendor and Partnership Management

• Strategic sourcing and vendor selection
• Negotiating and managing complex contracts
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships
• The role of a vendor in achieving program objectives
• Mitigating risks associated with third-party providers

Module 13: Agile and Hybrid Methodologies

• The application of Agile principles at the program level
• Scaling Agile for enterprise-wide initiatives
• Combining Agile and traditional methodologies
• The role of a Program Increment (PI)
• Managing a hybrid portfolio of projects

Module 14: Technology and Tools for Strategic Management

• Leveraging project and portfolio management software
• Using data analytics for strategic decision-making
• The role of AI and machine learning in program management
• Ensuring data security and integrity
• Evaluating and selecting the right technology stack

Module 15: Corporate Governance and Ethics

• The program manager's role in corporate governance
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Ethical decision-making in project and program management
• The importance of transparency and accountability

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.