Program Management for Improved Business Results, 2nd Edition

Part III

Program Practices, Metrics, and Tools

Part II explained how best to navigate programs to deliver business benefits. The three chapters in this section detail the practices (Chapter 7), metrics (Chapter 8), and tools (Chapter 9) used to effectively and efficiently manage programs and program teams.

We do not advocate a prescriptive approach to implementing a set of program management practices. We know from experience that each organization is unique and needs to implement the practices that best fit its business processes, culture, and level of program management maturity. There are, however, a number of core program management practices that we see being used consistently across business sectors and levels of organizational program management maturity. In Chapter 7, “Program Management Practices,” we present this set of core program management practices and explain how they are commonly used to manage a program to success.

In addition to practices, the use of program metrics can increase program management efficiency and benefits realization. Chapter 8, “Program Metrics,” clearly defines metrics and details their use as a powerful resource within programs and organizations. We explain why program management metrics are needed, the various types of metrics, and how to determine which program metrics are important based on organizational strategy.

We wrap up this section with Chapter 9, “Program Management Tools.” Program management tools support the practices and various ...