March 29, 2024
Updated April 11, 2025
16 minute read
Program Manager: A Career Overview
A Program Manager holds a strategic position within an organization, responsible for overseeing a group of related projects—known as a program—to ensure they collectively achieve larger business objectives. Unlike project managers who focus on individual project deliverables, program managers take a broader view, ensuring that multiple projects align with the company's overall strategy and deliver intended benefits. It's a role that requires a blend of strategic thinking, leadership, and organizational prowess.
Working as a Program Manager can be exciting for individuals who thrive on complexity and enjoy orchestrating large-scale initiatives. The role offers the opportunity to influence business strategy significantly, manage diverse teams, and navigate the intricate dependencies between various projects. If guiding multiple efforts towards a unified, strategic goal appeals to you, this career path might be a compelling choice.
Introduction to Program Management
Definition of a Program Manager
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Find a path to becoming a Program Manager. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Program Manager.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, development, and variations of welfare states around the world. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the role of welfare in modern societies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economic theory of welfare. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the economic foundations of welfare.
Is the definitive guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), the standard for project management around the world. It provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of project management, from planning and initiation to execution, monitoring and control, and closure.
Is the foundational standard for program management according to the Project Management Institute (PMI). It provides a comprehensive framework, principles, and performance domains essential for understanding the discipline. It's a crucial reference for anyone starting in program management and is often used as a basis for professional certification.
Written by experts involved in developing the PMI's Practice Standard, this book offers an in-depth exploration of WBS concepts and their practical application throughout the project lifecycle. It provides a strong foundation for understanding WBS and is valuable for both students and professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge.
Focuses specifically on the practical application of WBS in real-world projects, offering numerous examples. It's a valuable resource for practitioners looking to improve their WBS creation and utilization skills and gain a deeper understanding through practical scenarios.
Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) widely recognized framework for program management. outlines the principles, themes, and processes for managing programs effectively to achieve strategic objectives and realize benefits. It's a valuable resource for understanding a structured approach to program management and is the basis for MSP certification.
Focuses specifically on the communication skills necessary for project managers to succeed. It delves into practical strategies for overcoming communication barriers and handling difficult conversations within the project context. It valuable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of the practical application of communication principles in project environments.
Provides a comparative analysis of welfare states in Europe and argues that there are three main models: social democratic, conservative, and liberal. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the different types of welfare systems.
Examines the history of the welfare state in America and argues that it product of political struggles. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the origins and development of welfare in the United States.
Is considered a comprehensive and practical guide to WBS, offering perspectives on applying it to different types of projects. It provides insights into WBS principles, checklists, and action steps, making it a useful resource for improving project planning and execution.
This handbook offers practical, real-world advice on program management. It covers essential topics such as stakeholder management, risk management, and program performance analysis. It useful reference tool for program managers at all levels and has been used as a textbook in academic institutions.
A widely recognized textbook in project management, this book covers WBS within its comprehensive treatment of project planning and control. It provides a detailed and systematic approach, suitable for undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals seeking in-depth knowledge.
A timeless classic in the realm of interpersonal communication, this book offers fundamental principles for interacting with people effectively. These principles are directly applicable to project communication, particularly in building rapport, managing conflict, and influencing stakeholders. It provides foundational knowledge that is valuable for anyone in a project role.
Focuses specifically on benefits realization management (BRM), a critical aspect of program management that ensures programs deliver tangible value aligned with strategic goals. It provides a framework and guidance for maximizing business value through effective BRM practices. This is valuable for deepening understanding in a key program management area.
Part of a series focusing on the PMBOK Guide, this book specifically addresses project scope management, with a significant focus on creating the WBS. It's useful for understanding the WBS within the context of defining and controlling project scope.
Emotional intelligence critical component of effective communication, especially in managing project teams and stakeholders. explores how project managers can leverage emotional intelligence to improve communication, build relationships, and navigate challenging interpersonal dynamics. It adds a crucial human element to the understanding of project communication.
Explores various tools and techniques available for project communication, including traditional and contemporary methods. It covers topics such as social media, Agile communication tools, and communication on virtual projects. This book useful reference tool for understanding the different channels and technologies available for project communication.
This practical guide focuses on the process of benefits realization management. It provides a step-by-step approach to identifying, planning, and realizing benefits from projects and programs. It's a valuable resource for program managers focused on delivering measurable outcomes.
Similar to 'Fierce Conversations,' this book provides a structured approach to handling high-stakes discussions effectively. Project environments often involve crucial conversations about scope changes, risks, and issues. equips project managers with the tools and techniques to navigate these conversations constructively and achieve positive outcomes.
Delves into the strategic aspects of benefits realization, connecting it to portfolios and organizational change management. It provides a practical approach for implementing BRM and is aligned with PMI standards. It's a useful resource for understanding how programs contribute to broader organizational change and value creation.
Focuses on the power of crucial conversations and provides a framework for having honest and impactful dialogues. Effective project communication often requires navigating difficult conversations and addressing challenging issues directly. This book offers practical guidance and techniques for mastering these essential interactions.
This guide offers a practical perspective on program management for managers. It covers key aspects of leading and managing programs, emphasizing the role of the program manager in driving change and delivering benefits. It's a good resource for both new and experienced program managers seeking actionable guidance.
Examines the ethical foundations of welfare and argues that it matter of social justice. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the philosophical justifications for welfare.
Provides a solid introduction to project management concepts, including WBS, for those new to the field. It good starting point for high school or undergraduate students to gain a broad understanding of how WBS fits into the overall project management process.
Examines the welfare of women in the United States and argues that it matter of social justice. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing women in America.
This guide provides an overview of effective methods and best practices in program management. It covers various aspects of program lifecycle and governance, offering practical guidance for program managers. It's a useful resource for both learning the ropes and referencing specific techniques.
Examines the future of welfare in the United States and argues that it matter of social justice. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing welfare in America.
Examines the welfare of the aged in the United States and argues that it matter of social justice. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing the elderly in America.
Communicating project progress and outcomes often involves presenting data. provides a practical guide to effectively communicating with data through compelling visualizations and storytelling techniques. It is highly relevant for project managers who need to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to stakeholders.
This handbook provides a structured methodology for project management, including the role of WBS in planning. While not solely focused on WBS, it offers a good overview of how WBS fits into the overall project lifecycle and is suitable for a broad audience.
While focused on project management, this book provides valuable insights into strategic alignment and thinking, which are crucial for program managers. It offers practical tools for ensuring initiatives contribute to organizational strategy. It can serve as helpful background reading for understanding the strategic context of programs.
Provides a foundational understanding of project management, with coverage of WBS as a key planning tool. It's a good resource for students and those starting in project management to grasp the basics of WBS and its importance.
Introduces a powerful approach to communication based on empathy and understanding needs. It provides a framework for resolving conflicts peacefully and fostering compassionate connections. While not strictly a project management book, its principles are highly valuable for navigating interpersonal dynamics and managing conflict within project teams and with stakeholders.
This workbook complements Kerzner's main textbook and is designed for PMP exam preparation. It includes exercises and questions related to WBS and other project management areas, useful for solidifying understanding and preparing for certification.
Is specifically designed for individuals preparing for the PgMP certification exam. It provides practice questions that help solidify understanding of program management concepts and the PMI standard. While not a comprehensive textbook, it's a valuable tool for assessing knowledge and preparing for professional certification.
Similar to other exam prep books, this guide is specifically tailored for individuals preparing for the PgMP certification. It helps reinforce understanding of the key knowledge areas and processes in program management as defined by PMI, serving as a valuable study aid.
Getting project messages to resonate and be remembered by stakeholders is crucial. explores the principles behind why some ideas are memorable and others are not, providing insights into making your communication more impactful and sticky. It offers valuable lessons for crafting clear and compelling project messages.
Offers essays on the human and strategic aspects of managing projects, drawn from the author's experience in software development. It provides valuable insights into leadership, decision-making, and dealing with challenges, which are highly relevant to program management. It's more of a thought-provoking read than a process guide.
Classic critique of socialism and argues that it leads inevitably to tyranny. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the conservative opposition to welfare.
Project managers frequently need to present information to teams, stakeholders, and management. analyzes the communication techniques of successful TED speakers and provides practical strategies for delivering compelling presentations. It valuable resource for improving public speaking and presentation skills, which are essential for effective project communication.
A good introductory book that covers fundamental project management principles, including WBS, in an accessible way. It's suitable for high school or early undergraduate students and those new to project management who need a broad understanding.
Understanding portfolio management provides essential context for program management, as programs are often components of a larger portfolio. This standard outlines the principles and practices of portfolio management, helping program managers see how their programs fit into the broader organizational strategy and investment decisions.
This classic management book offers timeless principles on effectiveness, decision-making, and focus. While not specific to program management, the concepts are highly applicable to program managers who need to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and ensure their programs deliver intended outcomes. It's valuable for developing leadership skills.
Projects often involve significant change within an organization. This classic book on change management emphasizes the critical role of communication in successfully leading change initiatives. Understanding the principles of communicating change is highly valuable for project managers, especially in projects with a transformative impact.
Comprehensive guide to agile project management, with a focus on the Scrum framework. It covers all aspects of agile project management, from planning and initiation to execution, monitoring and control, and closure.
Offers concise and practical ideas for improving everyday communication. While not specific to project management, the principles and techniques presented can be readily applied to enhance communication within project teams and with stakeholders. It's a useful resource for quick tips and different perspectives on communication.
Covers the fundamental principles and practices of project management. It's a good resource for gaining a basic understanding of project lifecycle, planning, execution, and control, which are foundational elements that scale up to program management. It can be used for building prerequisite knowledge.
Explores Agile practices beyond software development, including their application to project management and organizational agility. It touches upon communication within Agile environments, which is often more dynamic and collaborative. This book is useful for understanding communication in contemporary Agile project settings.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/career/i7vpic/program
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