Program Management Fundamentals – Governing with Excellence to Drive Strategic Change from edX

Programs fail before they start, and there is a good reason for that. The relationships amongst portfolios, programs, and projects are not understood well nor is the role of programs in achieving change aspirations.

Today nearly 70% of Digital Transformation programs fail and the reasons seem to be addressed as a guessing game;
The likelihood of being in the 30% successful bucket hinges on the leadership qualities of the program team and the clear program vision and purpose supported by value-driven roadmaps.

In this course, you will learn key program management principles, leadership skills, roles, mechanics, and supporting cultural attributes. This will provide you, over four weeks, the foundational understanding of the program management and program lifecycle role in executing strategies, successfully driving initiatives, developing an exploring mindset, and uncovering program management fundamental templates and toolsets, such as the Work Breakdown Structure, and skill sets, such as customer focus, applied in the real world.

What you'll learn

The relationships amongst portfolios, programs, and projects and understanding how they align to deliver value
Why do programs, project plans, and strategies have to be connected, with comprehensive portfolio management, to accomplish critical deliverables, achieve end dates, meaningful investment success, and gain a competitive advantage
The linking processes between program management and change management to drive project teams and sustain innovative outcomes and associated metrics
How to show in the program plan the way resource management and different program roles support its success
How to leverage the role of the program sponsor to excel in the achievement of business goals and drive with clear risk management principles and meaningful dashboards
Using a program roadmap to create the connecting blueprint that integrates the focus, training, and expertise of the program team. FAQs will help guide you in coming with the most relevant options

What's inside

Learning objectives

The relationships amongst portfolios, programs, and projects and understanding how they align to deliver value

Using a program roadmap to create the connecting blueprint that integrates the focus, training, and expertise of the program team. faqs will help guide you in coming with the most relevant options

The relationships amongst portfolios, programs, and projects and understanding how they align to deliver value
Using a program roadmap to create the connecting blueprint that integrates the focus, training, and expertise of the program team. faqs will help guide you in coming with the most relevant options

Syllabus

Week 1: The first week starts with understanding the value of programs in the delivery of charters’ strategic outcomes from individual projects with excellence. A case example, coupled with a focus on the role of the conductor, will be used in learning how to drive and tailor the delivery of programs to achieve speed and quality of decisions and simulate complexity for better quality customer-centered solutions and outputs.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches comprehensive principles of program lifecycle role in executing strategies

Introduces various program management principles, leadership skills, and supporting cultural attributes

Taught by Al Zeitoun, who is an experienced program management professional

Examines the relationships amongst portfolios, programs, and projects

Delves into the importance of the role of the program sponsor

Provides case examples to illustrate concepts of program management

Reviews summary

Foundational program management for strategic change

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in program management principles, emphasizing strategic change and governance. Many highlight the instructor's expertise and clear explanations, finding the content highly relevant for strategic leadership roles. Students appreciate the practical tools and insights into real-world scenarios, particularly concerning strategic outcomes and change management. While lauded for its foundational strength, a few reviewers note it is more theoretical and could benefit from greater depth or hands-on exercises. This makes it particularly well-suited for beginners and intermediate learners, though experienced professionals may find some content a review.

Ideal for those new to program management concepts.

"Highly recommended for aspiring program managers."

"As someone transitioning into a program leadership role, this course gave me practical tools..."

"It's more suited for beginners, I think. As someone with some experience, I found parts of it to be a review..."

"I'm a seasoned project manager, and this course helped me bridge the gap to program thinking."

Highlights soft skills and human connection in programs.

"I particularly valued the emphasis on human connection and empathy in program management, alongside the technical aspects."

"The focus on leadership skills and an exploring mindset resonated deeply with me."

"Successful programs will rely not only on effective cost management but also on how empathy and human connection are critical ingredients..."

Instructor is knowledgeable and explains complex topics well.

"The instructor's explanations were clear, especially on the differences between programs, projects, and portfolios."

"The instructor was engaging and knowledgeable. Five stars!"

"The instructor's expertise shines through, making complex topics digestible."

Highly relevant for linking programs to strategic goals.

"The content on change management and linking programs to strategic outcomes was incredibly insightful."

"Absolutely essential for anyone in strategic leadership or aspiring to be a program manager."

"I now feel much better equipped to drive large-scale change initiatives in my organization."

"I particularly valued the emphasis on linking programs to organizational strategy and value delivery."

Provides essential core program management principles.

"This course provided a really solid foundation in program management."

"A very good introductory course. It covers a lot of ground quickly, giving a broad overview of program management principles."

"Foundational course that covers essential concepts. I particularly valued the emphasis on human connection..."

Focuses on theory; some desire more practical application.

"My only minor gripe is that some topics could have been explored deeper, but it's a 'fundamentals' course..."

"It's theory-heavy and I was hoping for more hands-on exercises or case studies to apply the concepts."

"It's okay as a basic intro, but don't expect deep dives into practical application without external resources."

"The content felt repetitive in places and didn't offer as much 'new' insight as I had hoped for someone already familiar with project management."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Program Management Fundamentals – Governing with Excellence to Drive Strategic Change with these activities:

Review basic program management concepts

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Review fundamental concepts in program management to build a solid foundation.

Browse courses on Program Management

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Read articles or blog posts on program management
Watch videos or listen to podcasts about program management
Attend a webinar or workshop on program management

Compile a list of resources on program management

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Gather and organize valuable resources to enhance your knowledge base.

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Search for articles, books, websites, and other resources on program management
Create a spreadsheet or online document to organize the resources
Include information such as the title, author, publication date, and a brief description for each resource
Categorize the resources into different topics or areas

Learn how to use a program management software

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Become familiar with software tools to enhance your program management skills.

Browse courses on Project Management Software

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Find a recommended program management software
Sign up for a free trial or demo
Follow tutorials or documentation to learn the basics
Create a sample program plan using the software

Five other activities

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Join a study group or online forum

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Connect with peers to exchange knowledge, ask questions, and learn from others' experiences.

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Find a relevant study group or online forum
Introduce yourself and share your goals
Participate in discussions and ask questions
Offer help and support to other members

Volunteer with a program management organization

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Gain hands-on experience and contribute to real-world program management projects.

Browse courses on Program Planning

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Research program management organizations in your area
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend orientation and training provided by the organization
Assist with program planning, implementation, or monitoring
Network with professionals in the field of program management

Complete practice exercises or quizzes

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Reinforce your understanding and identify areas for improvement.

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Find practice exercises or quizzes online
Set a timer and complete the exercises
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement
Repeat the exercises focusing on improving weaker areas

Create a program management plan for a real-world project

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Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive plan for a practical project.

Browse courses on Project Plan

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Identify a real-world project that needs a program management plan
Gather information about the project and its stakeholders
Develop a project charter and scope statement
Create a work breakdown structure and schedule
Identify and analyze risks
Develop a communication and stakeholder engagement plan
Finalize the program management plan

Mentor junior program managers or students

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Share your knowledge and experience to guide others in their program management journey.

Browse courses on Program Planning

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Reach out to junior program managers or students who seek mentoring
Establish clear goals and expectations for the mentoring relationship
Provide guidance and support on program management concepts and best practices
Offer feedback on program plans, project proposals, and other deliverables
Encourage professional development and networking opportunities

Career center

Learners who complete Program Management Fundamentals – Governing with Excellence to Drive Strategic Change will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Program Manager

Program Managers lead and oversee the development and execution of complex programs and initiatives, ensuring that they align with strategic objectives and deliver desired outcomes. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in program management principles, leadership skills, and best practices, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to excel in this role. By mastering the concepts covered in this course, aspiring Program Managers can develop the expertise needed to drive successful program outcomes, manage resources effectively, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within defined scope, time, and budget constraints. The course's focus on program management fundamentals, stakeholder management, and risk assessment provides a solid foundation for individuals seeking to advance their careers in project management. By understanding the relationship between programs and projects, Project Managers can effectively align their projects with strategic initiatives and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Change Manager

Change Managers facilitate and manage organizational change initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition and successful adoption of new processes, technologies, or strategies. This course explores the role of change management in program execution, providing valuable insights into stakeholder engagement, resistance management, and communication strategies. By leveraging the principles and frameworks covered in this course, Change Managers can effectively navigate the challenges of organizational change and drive successful program outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development, launch, and lifecycle of products or services. The course's emphasis on program roadmaps, stakeholder management, and customer focus provides a strong foundation for individuals aspiring to become Product Managers. By understanding the principles of program management, Product Managers can develop and execute product strategies that align with market needs and drive business results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts bridge the gap between business and technology, analyzing and defining requirements for software systems and solutions. This course provides a foundation in program management, stakeholder engagement, and requirements gathering, which are essential skills for Business Analysts. By understanding the program lifecycle and the role of programs in driving strategic initiatives, Business Analysts can contribute to the successful implementation of technology solutions that meet business needs.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expertise and guidance to organizations on a variety of business issues, including program management, change management, and strategic planning. This course offers a comprehensive overview of program management principles and best practices, providing valuable knowledge for individuals seeking to enter the consulting field. By mastering the concepts covered in this course, aspiring Consultants can develop the skills needed to analyze business needs, develop solutions, and drive successful outcomes for their clients.

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Program Sponsor

Program Sponsors are responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and support for programs. This course provides a deep dive into the role of the Program Sponsor, covering topics such as mission definition, stakeholder management, and risk assessment. By understanding the principles of program management and their responsibilities as Sponsors, individuals can effectively guide and support programs to achieve desired outcomes and deliver value to the organization.

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Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers oversee and manage a portfolio of programs and projects, ensuring that they align with strategic objectives and deliver desired outcomes. This course provides a comprehensive overview of portfolio management principles and best practices, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to excel in this role. By mastering the concepts covered in this course, aspiring Portfolio Managers can develop the expertise needed to prioritize programs, allocate resources, and drive successful portfolio outcomes.

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Project Management Office (PMO) Manager

PMO Managers lead and manage project management offices, providing support and guidance to project managers and project teams. This course offers a comprehensive overview of PMO functions and best practices, providing valuable knowledge for individuals seeking to enter or advance in this role. By understanding the principles of program management and the role of the PMO, aspiring PMO Managers can develop the skills and expertise needed to establish and operate effective PMOs that support successful project delivery and program execution.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Management Office (PMO) Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to organizations and their projects. This course provides a foundation in risk management principles and practices, covering topics such as risk identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation. By understanding the principles of program management and the role of risk management, aspiring Risk Managers can develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively manage risks and ensure the success of programs and projects.

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Quality Manager

Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring the quality of products, services, and processes within an organization. This course provides a foundation in quality management principles and practices, covering topics such as quality planning, quality control, and quality improvement. By understanding the principles of program management and the role of quality management, aspiring Quality Managers can develop the skills and expertise needed to establish and maintain effective quality management systems that support the successful delivery of programs and projects.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course provides a foundation in operations management principles and practices, covering topics such as process improvement, resource management, and performance measurement. By understanding the principles of program management and the role of operations management, aspiring Operations Managers can develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively manage and improve the operations of their organizations.

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IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for managing the information technology (IT) infrastructure and systems of an organization. This course provides a foundation in IT management principles and practices, covering topics such as IT strategy, IT security, and IT service management. By understanding the principles of program management and the role of IT management, aspiring IT Managers can develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively manage and improve the IT systems and services of their organizations.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources (HR) function of an organization. This course provides a foundation in HR management principles and practices, covering topics such as HR planning, HR recruitment, and HR development. By understanding the principles of program management and the role of HR management, aspiring HR Managers can develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively manage and improve the HR function of their organizations.

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Financial Manager

Financial Managers are responsible for managing the financial resources of an organization. This course provides a foundation in financial management principles and practices, covering topics such as financial planning, financial analysis, and financial reporting. By understanding the principles of program management and the role of financial management, aspiring Financial Managers can develop the skills and expertise needed to effectively manage and improve the financial resources of their organizations.

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