The Program Definition phase is the activities conducted to authorize the program and develop the program management plan or roadmap required to achieve the expected results.
The Program Defenition phase of the program life cycle includes the following tasks:
- Develop the Program Charter
- Define program scope, assumptions, constraints, high-level risks, benefits, timing, stakeholders, outcomes, and resource allocation.
- Align program with business case and strategic objectives.
- Translate Strategic Objectives
- Create high-level program scope statements by negotiating with stakeholders.
- Develop a Program Roadmap
- Use goals, objectives, historical information, and other resources to align the program with strategy and manage stakeholder expectations.
- Develop a Responsibility Assignment Matrix
- Identify and assign program roles and responsibilities to build the core team.
- Define Measurement Criteria
- Establish key performance indicators and review points for constituent projects/components.
- Conduct Program Kick-Off
- Hold meetings with key stakeholders to familiarize them with the program and obtain buy-in.
- Develop Detailed Program Scope Statement
- Incorporate vision, objectives, goals, influences, and variables for overall planning.
- Develop Program WBS
- Plan and assign program tasks and deliverables.
- Establish the Program Management Plan and Schedule
- Integrate plans for constituent projects/components and supporting functions to forecast, monitor, and identify variances.
- Optimize the Program Management Plan
- Review and level resource requirements for efficiency and productivity.
- Define PMIS
- Select tools and processes to share knowledge, intellectual property, and documentation across projects.
To learn Program Defenition phase you need:
- Read Sections 3.8.1 ‘Program Definition Phase’ and 4.2 ‘Program Definition Phase Activities’ of the Standard for Program Management.
- Explore instructional videos on this topic:
3. Test your knowledge to complete the Program Defenition phase study.
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