Having completed chapter 3 try the homework questions and post your questions below and we give you feedback?
- List and describe five key benefits of using a programme management?
- List and describe five benefits of running projects as part of a programme instead of unconnected activities?
- Describe the term project context and explain four contextual factors affecting a project giving examples?
- List and describe five ways in which the project manager would make sure health, safety and environment was covered on the project?
Remember each of the five paragraphs in a answer needs to include 2-3 sentences. According the the APM guidance notes this should include a a statement of fact about the list item that indicates why it has been selected and also a statement(s) clarifying, supporting, demonstrating further comprehension or application thereof.
I recommend three sentence describing the what, why it is important and then giving an example. So for instance
1) One benefit of using programme management is that changes between each project in the programme can be co-ordinated in a controlled way by the programme manager. This is very important in multi-disciplinary programmes where change in one project might have a significant effect on the requirements for another. For example changing the layout of a sports stadium will have an impact on the number and locations of seating in the ticketing software. These changes can be controlled by configuration management operated at a programme level.
Five more like this and your done…
Hi Paul,
Please review, comment and provide feedback on my below response to Question 1:
1. List and describe five key benefits of using a programme management?
One benefit of utilising programme management is the ability to provide improved management between interdependent projects within the programme. This is crucial to the overall success of the programme especially in multi-displinary programmes where individual projects may be of varying disciplines but rely heavily on each other in order to realise the programme benefits. For example, in the construction of a new IT hardware/server store room, close co-ordination will be required between the building design and IT hardware supplier to ensure that the hardware to be supplied is a main focal point during the building design phase, rather than the hardware being squeezed into a building designed without any thought given to what was going to be placed in it.
Another benefit of using programme management is the greater control it allows over resources. This is important as a programme may involve a number of individual projects which require the input of a shared project resource. For example, the construction of an apartment complex may include multiple buildings which require an engineer to complete commissioning works on the security system. Using programme management will ensure the individual projects are scheduled in an efficient manner to maximise benefits whilst minimising the chances for a resource bottleneck.
Programme management allows a positive approach to lessons learnt and the minimising of future risk on projects within a programme to be adopted. The ability to receive feedback on individual projects within a programme, whilst the programme is evolving, means this information can be analysed, transmitted and shared across other projects in the programme creating a more efficient and effective environment in which the programme operates. For example, where projects were run separately and not as part of a programme it would be possible, and likely, that the same issues or problems would arise in each project resulting in a similar outcome, which through the use of programme management could have been avoided or dealt with in a more effective manner.
A further benefit of programme management is the ability it offers to exert greater control over individual projects within a programme. This is very important due to the adaptable nature of programmes and the need for a flexible approach as the programme evolves. An example could be when one project in a programme is moving well ahead of its planned schedule meaning a subsequent project may be allowed to be brought forward thus realising some programme benefits earlier than expected. Again, were the projects to be run individually the possibility to take advantage of this may not be realised in good time thus allowing the opportunity to be missed.
Finally programme management allows a greater focus on the overall strategic benefits to be achieved through the programme and its constituent projects. It is important that a holistic approach to the programme can be adopted which in turn will deliver the strategic deliverables for which it strives. For instance, a car manufacturer may identify that they want to be the No. 1 seller of vans in the national market within 5 years. This strategic vision will determine which projects make up the programme and can change and evolve over time as the programme evolves and matures.
Thanks,
Pat