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Introduction to Program Management

Overview of program management principles.

This topic provides an introduction to program management, outlining the key principles, benefits, and the role it plays in achieving strategic objectives.
5 minutes 5 Questions

Concepts covered: Ground Rules, Skills of Project and Program Managers, Responsibilities of a Program Manager, Key Features of Project, Hierarchical View: Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, Key Focus of Program Management, Hierarchical View: Portfolios, Programs, and Projects, Strategic Conditions, Advantages of Using Prioritization Matrix, Definitions of Strategy and Business Value, What is a Portfolio, Key Features of Project, Prioritization, Definition of Program Management, Definition of Program Management, Key Focus of Program Management, Role of Program Manager, What is a Project, Relationship between Project, Program, and Portfolio Management, Strategic Objectives, What is a Program, Definitions of Vision and Mission

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PgMP - Introduction to Program Management Example Questions

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Question 1

As a program manager at a large technology company, you are responsible for overseeing multiple projects that contribute to the overall strategic objectives of the organization. During a meeting with your team, a project manager expresses concern that their project is not receiving the necessary resources and support from other departments. The project manager believes that this lack of support is hindering the project's progress and may impact the overall program's success. How should you address this situation?

Correct Answer: Engage with portfolio management to align project priorities and secure necessary resources across the organization

As a program manager, it is crucial to ensure that all projects within the program receive the necessary resources and support to achieve their objectives. Engaging with portfolio management to align project priorities and secure resources across the organization is the most effective approach in this situation. This allows for a holistic view of resource allocation and ensures that the project in question receives the support it needs to progress successfully. Instructing the project manager to escalate the issue to their functional manager may not guarantee the required resources and could lead to further delays. Advising the project manager to work with the available resources and avoid seeking support from other departments could hinder the project's progress and negatively impact the overall program. While communicating resource constraints to stakeholders and adjusting timelines is important, it should be done in conjunction with actively seeking the necessary support from other departments.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the hierarchical relationship between portfolios, programs, and projects?

Correct Answer: Portfolios are comprised of multiple programs, which in turn are made up of related projects that contribute to the program's objectives.

Portfolios are the highest-level organizational structure, consisting of multiple related programs that contribute to the overall strategic objectives of the organization. Programs, in turn, are comprised of a group of related projects that work together to achieve the program's goals and benefits. Projects are the lowest level in the hierarchy, focusing on delivering specific outputs or products within the program. The other answers incorrectly describe the relationships between portfolios, programs, and projects, either by inverting the hierarchy, suggesting that they operate independently, or implying that the terms are interchangeable.

Question 3

As a program manager at a multinational technology company, you are responsible for overseeing a portfolio of programs aimed at developing and launching innovative products across various business units. During a strategic review meeting, the senior management expresses concern about the alignment of the programs within the portfolio and their contribution to the overall organizational strategy. They also point out that some programs seem to be competing for the same resources, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies. What should be your primary focus in addressing these concerns?

Correct Answer: Evaluate the strategic alignment of all programs within the portfolio to ensure they collectively advance the organization's goals, while optimizing resource distribution to decrease overlaps and conflicts.

The correct answer focuses on addressing the senior management's concerns by evaluating and adjusting the strategic alignment and resource allocation of all programs, which is most directly related to the issues of alignment with the organizational strategy and resource conflicts. Wrong answers introduce different concepts (risk management, project management methodologies, and centralized budget control) that, while important in program management, do not directly address the concerns raised by senior management about alignment and resource competition among programs.

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