Program Management: Driving Enterprise Value

An advanced-level course offered by UMD and USMx

Course Description

"Program Management: Driving Enterprise Value" is an advanced-level course designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead successful Program Management Offices (PMOs) in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. This comprehensive course delves into the intricacies of simplifying organizational processes, breaking traditional molds, and removing resistance to deliver faster at scale. By focusing on project performance, maintaining standards, and enhancing the quality of investment decisions, students will learn how to drive value-driven change and contribute to building future-ready organizations.

What Students Will Learn

  • How to prioritize execution excellence as an ongoing organizational value
  • Developing a value mindset and benefits management skills within program teams
  • Co-creating within project teams and implementing hybrid working methods
  • Designing risk-based program governance aligned with business goals
  • Utilizing supportive PMOs for meaningful and faster decision-making
  • Building successful strategic PMOs that drive strategic planning and continuous improvement

Prerequisites

While there are no specific prerequisites listed for this course, it is considered an advanced-level program. Students would benefit from having a basic understanding of project management principles and some experience in organizational leadership or management roles.

Course Coverage

  • The role of PMOs in driving strategic efforts
  • Value-driven mindset and its application in program management
  • Agile practices and hybrid organizational structures
  • Risk-based governance and strategic agility
  • Portfolio management and enterprise-wide project maturity
  • PMOs as learning engines for future organizations
  • Change management and transformation initiatives
  • Continuous improvement and benefits realization

Who This Course Is For

  • Experienced project managers looking to advance to program management roles
  • Current program managers seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge
  • Organizational leaders responsible for implementing strategic change
  • Professionals interested in driving value-driven transformation within their organizations
  • Individuals aspiring to lead PMOs or improve existing PMO structures

Real-World Application of Skills

  • Lead successful PMOs that drive organizational value and strategic change
  • Implement effective risk-based governance structures
  • Develop hybrid program teams that leverage both traditional and agile methodologies
  • Enhance decision-making processes through data-driven insights
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning within their organizations
  • Align program management efforts with broader business goals and strategies
  • Drive successful transformation initiatives and change management programs

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to PMOs and Value-Driven Mindset

  • Role of PMOs in driving strategic efforts
  • Understanding the value-driven mindset
  • Practical examples of empowering staff for program success

Week 2: Agile Practices and Hybrid Organizations

  • Integrating agile practices in traditional project environments
  • Methodical shift to hybrid organizational structures
  • Application of agile methods in various industries

Week 3: Risk-Based Governance and Strategic Agility

  • Implementing risk-based governance for enterprise-wide maturity
  • Balancing alignment and autonomy using models like Spotify
  • Utilizing project management tools and KPIs for outcome realization

Week 4: PMOs as Learning Engines and Continuous Improvement

  • PMOs as enterprise learning engines
  • Portfolio management office's role in mentoring and providing E2E views
  • Shifting program managers' focus and activating learning culture
  • PMIS for decision-making in the 'project economy'
  • Guiding continuous improvement and achieving program benefits

This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to master the art of program management and drive enterprise value through effective PMO leadership, strategic planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.