Program Management Tips
by Dexter Hansen

Introduction Definitions Elements of a Winning Program Capable Motivated Team Good Customer Management Attention and Commitment Typical Program Problems Introduction Program management skills are needed to be successful as an engineer or manager. While this "Tips" page is very generic and applies to most engineering and management programs/projects, the information is applicable for Sarbanes-Oxley, ISO or TQM quality system’s implementations.  For purposes of this web page as well as there is all ready an excellent on-line resource, I am not going to address the elements of project management. A complete download of the Program Management Institute’s - A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge - is available at Amazon.com. If you don’t have time to get an advanced management degree, I suggest read the guide. Definitions Project: A temporary activity to provide a product or service. Projects have a definite starting and stopping point. Projects do not have the element of ongoing activity. Program: A set of processes, systems and techniques for effective planning and control of projects. Programs typically include an element on an ongoing activity and can also contain smaller programs. Project Management: The application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations from a project. Back to Top of Page Elements of a Winning Program  Realistic Program Plan for Assessing and Managing Risk Type of Contract Consistent with Risk Feasible Technically Schedule Attainable Adequate Funding Back to Top of Page   Capable Motivated Team Strong Supportive Functional Organizations Strong Program Technical & Business Leadership Good Program Control & Tools Quality Effort by Each Individual Good Vendors and Subcontractors Back to Top of Page Good Customer Willing to Work Mutual Problems Open Trusting Relationship Keeps Program Sold Needs the Product or Service Competent Back to Top of Page Management Attention and Commitment Assign and Maintain a Competent Team Periodic Effective Reviews Timely and Adequate Investment Climate of Mutual Trust Correct Business Strategy  Back to Top of Page Typical Program Problems Understanding technical difficulty during proposal phase Optimistic assumptions and ground rules during proposals phase - "MUST WIN" Compressed schedule imposed by customer Inadequate Staffing Inexperienced Program Leadership Weak capability and support by technical functional groups Inadequate Planning and Control Organizational Conflict Inadequate performance of subcontractor/vendors Inadequate transition of Design to Production Optimistic pricing Back to Top of Page Back to Dexter Hansen's Home Page Amazon.com now has tools, tooling and gas powered generators in their Amazon.com's Tool & Home Improvement Store.  Click on Amazon's Tool & Home Improvement Store or the logo above to go there or use the Search feature. If you have questions or comments relating to this flowcharting information, please click here to email the author. Copyright © Dexter A. Hansen