{"id":599,"date":"2024-05-02T13:40:18","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T11:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/?p=599"},"modified":"2025-10-17T12:38:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T10:38:58","slug":"program-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/program-management\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Tips for Successful Program Management (with an Example from R&#038;D)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Keeping track of complex programs with countless subprojects is a challenging and demanding task for professionals. With the right methods and tools, advanced and powerful <strong>program management<\/strong> will help you keep track of everything important at all times. This article provides 8 recommendations and a <strong>program management example<\/strong>, which will help you when implementing and improving your environment. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter10\">Differentiation between program management and other terms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter11\">What are program management tasks?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter1\">Tip 1: Establish a program management office \/ program office<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter2\">Tip 2: Define the control processes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter3\">Tip 3: Communicate how this program differs from others<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter4\">Tip 4: Define the work breakdown structure<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter5\">Tip 5: Define the interfaces between the projects<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter6\">Tip 6: Implement an efficient PPM system<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter7\">Tip 7: Automate the synchronization between the interfaces<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter8\">Tip 8: Establish an early-warning system<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter12\">Program management example: R&amp;D in the Electronics Industry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Chapter9\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But before we get into the details of successful program management, let us take a closer look at important terms in program management. We need to clarify them to avoid possible misunderstandings.<\/p>\n<p>Let us start!<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Chapter10\">Differentiation between Program Management and Other Terms<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<h2>Program Management Definition<\/h2>\n<p>Program management involves multiple interdependent projects. All projects in a program serve to achieve one overall goal. So, we can define a program as a master project with many subprojects.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"id69573c2eaf958\" class=\"iframecontainer iframecontainer--hidden\">\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__head\" style=\"background: #D60B52!important;\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__inner\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eaf958\">\n                    <p><strong>Special Download: <\/strong> 8 Tips for Successful Program Management (PDF file)<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eaf958\">\n                    <svg width=\"10px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"1092 550 10 16\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\">\n                        <polygon class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon__pfeil\"  data-for=\"#id69573c2eaf958\" stroke=\"none\" fill=\"#ffffff\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"1093.875 550 1101.875 558 1093.875 566 1092 564.125 1098.125 558 1092 551.875\"><\/polygon>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe__inner\">\n                    <p>Profit from 8 expert tips, which will help you when implementing and improving your program management environment. Please fill in the form.<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-small;\">* Required Fields\u00a0 |\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/data-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Data Protection<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cookieconsent-optout-marketing\">This form is blocked by your cookie settings to our website. Please <a>click here<\/a> and select at least the marketing cookies. Then this form will be visible. Thanks a lot.<\/div>\n\n                \t<!-- ENGLISCH Wichtig: nur den Code in download-asset \u00e4ndern - definiert Download -->\r\n<script type='text\/x-ccm-loader' data-ccm-loader-src=\"https:\/\/js-eu1.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/developer\/146642994.js\" defer><\/script>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hs-form-html\"\r\n     data-download-asset=\"CU10E\"\r\n     data-region=\"eu1\"\r\n     data-form-id=\"ed0008c7-47d5-4c2e-ad2f-000bd95b74c5\"\r\n     data-portal-id=\"146642994\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(() => {\r\n  const FORM_ID = 'ed0008c7-47d5-4c2e-ad2f-000bd95b74c5';\r\n  const FIELD   = '0-1\/download_asset';\r\n  const roots   = new Set();\r\n  const formsByRoot = new WeakMap();\r\n\r\n  const setViaApi = (root) => {\r\n    const code = root.dataset.downloadAsset || '';\r\n    const form = formsByRoot.get(root);\r\n    if (!code || !form) return;\r\n    form.setFieldValue(FIELD, code);\r\n  };\r\n\r\n  window.addEventListener('hs-form-event:on-ready', (event) => {\r\n    if (!window.HubSpotFormsV4) return;\r\n    const form = HubSpotFormsV4.getFormFromEvent(event);\r\n    if (!form || form.getFormId() !== FORM_ID) return;\r\n\r\n    const root = [...roots].find(r => r.contains(event.target));\r\n    if (!root) return;\r\n\r\n    formsByRoot.set(root, form);\r\n    setViaApi(root);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  window.addEventListener('message', (event) => {\r\n    const d = event.data;\r\n    if (!d || d.type !== 'hsFormCallback' || d.eventName !== 'onFormSubmit') return;\r\n    if (d.id !== FORM_ID) return;\r\n\r\n    roots.forEach(setViaApi);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {\r\n    document.querySelectorAll('.hs-form-html[data-download-asset][data-form-id=\"' + FORM_ID + '\"]')\r\n      .forEach(r => roots.add(r));\r\n  });\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\n                    <style>\/* Kompaktere Darstellung f\u00fcr HubSpot Formulare *\/\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-Step .hsfc-Step__Content { padding: 0 20px 20px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=Renderer] .hsfc-TextField>*:not(:last-child) { margin-bottom:4px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-Row { gap: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 12px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-NavigationRow { margin-top: 6px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-TextInput { padding: 8px !important; }<\/style>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div><h3>Differentiation from Multi-Project \/ Project Portfolio Management<\/h3>\n<p>The term <strong>multi-project management<\/strong>, in contrast, refers to projects of one organizational unit that are implemented concurrently (e.g., IT projects that are\u00a0independent from\u00a0one another).<\/p>\n<p>There is yet another difference: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/project-portfolio-meetings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Project portfolio management<\/strong><\/a>, in German-speaking regions, generally defines the higher-level strategic direction of the programs and projects.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6463\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6463\" style=\"width: 609px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/1_difference_PPM_MPM_PM.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6463 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/1_difference_PPM_MPM_PM.png\" alt=\"The difference between project portfolio management, multi-project management, and program management\" width=\"609\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/1_difference_PPM_MPM_PM.png 609w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/1_difference_PPM_MPM_PM-300x196.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 609px) 100vw, 609px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6463\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The difference between project portfolio management, multi-project management, and program management<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Worldwide, there are differing definitions of the terms \u201cprogram management\u201d and \u201cmulti-project management\u201d. Outside the German-speaking region, the terms \u201cprogram management\u201d and \u201cproject portfolio management\u201d usually stand in for \u201cmulti-project management\u201d (which causes confusion in the German-speaking regions).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"Chapter11\">What Are Program Management Tasks?<\/h2>\n<p>The program manager \/ program director is <strong>responsible for a program<\/strong>, consisting of several subprojects within the framework of the program. This person is often simultaneously <strong>head of the project office and \/ or program management office (PgrO)<\/strong>. Program management tasks, which program managers handle with their team\u2019s support, are the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Defining programs to achieve strategic goals<\/li>\n<li>Launching projects for the program<\/li>\n<li>Defining interfaces<\/li>\n<li>Evaluating the proposed projects<\/li>\n<li>Approving, deferring, or rejecting project requests<\/li>\n<li>Monitoring projects from the client\u2019s perspective<\/li>\n<li>Aligning schedules<\/li>\n<li>Managing cross-project information<\/li>\n<li>Coordinating resources<\/li>\n<li>Overall risk management<\/li>\n<li>Joint change control<\/li>\n<li>Managing the project marketing<\/li>\n<li>Handling quality management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"cookieconsent-optin-marketing\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/lx15cdebOtU?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"cookieconsent-optout-marketing\"><b>&#8212; Oops, a video is missing here &#8212;<\/b><br \/>\nYour cookie settings are currently blocking the display of videos on this site.<br \/>\nPlease <b><a> \u21d2 click here <\/a><\/b> and the cookie selection will appear. At least select the Marketing cookies there. Then the videos will show immediately. Thank you very much.<\/div>\n<div>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Program Management according to the PMI<\/h3>\n<p>According to the standard of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pmi.org\/disciplined-agile\/process\/program-management\/program-management-roles-and-responsibilities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Project Management Institute (PMI)<\/a>, program management tasks for the program manager \/ coordinator include among other things:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Leading the overall program<\/li>\n<li>Coordinating activities within the program to keep it on track<\/li>\n<li>Working closely with the Chief Product Owner (CPO) and Chief Architecture Owner (CAO) to guide the overall work of the sub-teams<\/li>\n<li>Facilitating discussions between the CPO and CAO when there are differences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now that we understand the terms, let us look at the <strong>eight key tips for successful program management<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Chapter1\">Tip 1: Establish a Program Management Office \/ Program Office<\/h2>\n<p>Programs must be carefully controlled. Due to their complexity and scope, this requires the support of a centralized responsible entity: the <strong>program management office<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The program management office (PgrO) generally has several members. Normally, you need more than one program manager to handle all the demands.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>program management office\u2019s responsibilities<\/strong> can involve:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Defining and communicating the unique characteristics of each program<\/li>\n<li>Training project managers specifically for the program at hand<\/li>\n<li>Supporting project managers in managing the projects<\/li>\n<li>Calling for the activities and data needed in preparation for the regular status meetings<\/li>\n<li>Ensuring the data quality of the projects<\/li>\n<li>Preparing reports for different committees<\/li>\n<li>Developing scenarios for problem situations<\/li>\n<li>Preparing and conducting status meetings<\/li>\n<li>etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6464\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6464\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/2_Involvement_of_PM_in_processes.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6464\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/2_Involvement_of_PM_in_processes.png\" alt=\"Involvement of the program management office \/ program office in the processes\" width=\"700\" height=\"259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/2_Involvement_of_PM_in_processes.png 905w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/2_Involvement_of_PM_in_processes-300x111.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6464\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Involvement of the program management office \/ program office in the processes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Differentiation from the PMO:<\/strong> Do not confuse the program management office (PgrO) with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/why-a-pmo-is-important\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Project Management Office (PMO)<\/a>. The PMO serves as a centralized control unit for managing projects throughout the company or in individual departments (such as IT-PMO). It handles activities such as the development of project standards, project monitoring, project support, training \/ coaching, quality assurance, and possibly even involvement in strategic decisions regarding the portfolio.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"id69573c2eafb22\" class=\"iframecontainer iframecontainer--hidden\">\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__head\" style=\"background: #D60B52!important;\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__inner\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eafb22\">\n                    <p><strong>Special Download: <\/strong> How to set up a PMO in 4 simple steps (PDF file)<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eafb22\">\n                    <svg width=\"10px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"1092 550 10 16\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\">\n                        <polygon class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon__pfeil\"  data-for=\"#id69573c2eafb22\" stroke=\"none\" fill=\"#ffffff\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"1093.875 550 1101.875 558 1093.875 566 1092 564.125 1098.125 558 1092 551.875\"><\/polygon>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe__inner\">\n                    <p>Please fill in the form.<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-small;\">* Required Fields\u00a0 |\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/data-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Data Protection<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cookieconsent-optout-marketing\">This form is blocked by your cookie settings to our website. Please <a>click here<\/a> and select at least the marketing cookies. Then this form will be visible. Thanks a lot.<\/div>\n\n                \t<!-- ENGLISCH Wichtig: nur den Code in download-asset \u00e4ndern - definiert Download -->\r\n<script type='text\/x-ccm-loader' data-ccm-loader-src=\"https:\/\/js-eu1.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/developer\/146642994.js\" defer><\/script>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hs-form-html\"\r\n     data-download-asset=\"CU12E\"\r\n     data-region=\"eu1\"\r\n     data-form-id=\"ed0008c7-47d5-4c2e-ad2f-000bd95b74c5\"\r\n     data-portal-id=\"146642994\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(() => {\r\n  const FORM_ID = 'ed0008c7-47d5-4c2e-ad2f-000bd95b74c5';\r\n  const FIELD   = '0-1\/download_asset';\r\n  const roots   = new Set();\r\n  const formsByRoot = new WeakMap();\r\n\r\n  const setViaApi = (root) => {\r\n    const code = root.dataset.downloadAsset || '';\r\n    const form = formsByRoot.get(root);\r\n    if (!code || !form) return;\r\n    form.setFieldValue(FIELD, code);\r\n  };\r\n\r\n  window.addEventListener('hs-form-event:on-ready', (event) => {\r\n    if (!window.HubSpotFormsV4) return;\r\n    const form = HubSpotFormsV4.getFormFromEvent(event);\r\n    if (!form || form.getFormId() !== FORM_ID) return;\r\n\r\n    const root = [...roots].find(r => r.contains(event.target));\r\n    if (!root) return;\r\n\r\n    formsByRoot.set(root, form);\r\n    setViaApi(root);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  window.addEventListener('message', (event) => {\r\n    const d = event.data;\r\n    if (!d || d.type !== 'hsFormCallback' || d.eventName !== 'onFormSubmit') return;\r\n    if (d.id !== FORM_ID) return;\r\n\r\n    roots.forEach(setViaApi);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {\r\n    document.querySelectorAll('.hs-form-html[data-download-asset][data-form-id=\"' + FORM_ID + '\"]')\r\n      .forEach(r => roots.add(r));\r\n  });\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\n                    <style>\/* Kompaktere Darstellung f\u00fcr HubSpot Formulare *\/\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-Step .hsfc-Step__Content { padding: 0 20px 20px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=Renderer] .hsfc-TextField>*:not(:last-child) { margin-bottom:4px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-Row { gap: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 12px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-NavigationRow { margin-top: 6px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-TextInput { padding: 8px !important; }<\/style>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div><h2 id=\"Chapter2\">Tip 2: Define the Control Processes in Program Management<\/h2>\n<p>Firstly, ensure that the control of individual projects works at your company. Only then will your program management also run smoothly.<\/p>\n<p>Before you can control an extensive program, you need to be capable of simultaneously handling a huge amount of information from individual projects. It therefore <strong>requires significant effort to prepare for a steering committee meeting<\/strong>. You need more preparation time, and everything needs to be better organized than with \u2018normal\u2019 projects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Define regular intervals<\/strong> for the dates of the steering committee meetings. All information must be accurate, reliable, and comprehensive \u2012 and ready on time for the meeting.<\/p>\n<p>The meeting intervals should be relevant to your program\u2019s time frame. This lets you identify any deviations, determine what actions are necessary, and communicate these to the relevant people \/ entities to ensure the program\u2019s success.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6465\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6465\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/3_Example_of_intervals.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6465\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/3_Example_of_intervals.png\" alt=\"Example of intervals for preparing steering committee meetings in program management by the roles involved\" width=\"700\" height=\"281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/3_Example_of_intervals.png 1176w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/3_Example_of_intervals-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/3_Example_of_intervals-1024x411.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6465\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Example of intervals for preparing steering committee meetings in program management by the roles involved<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"Chapter3\">Tip 3: Focus Attention on this Program\u2019s Unique Characteristics<\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps you already have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/why-a-pmo-is-important\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">project management office (PMO)<\/a>. This office is usually responsible for the project management standards and project manager training (see box above).<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>To learn more, read this:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/pmo-setup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Successful PMO setup in 4 simple steps.<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>However, each program is handled a bit differently. This is especially true when they involve external people and entities. It is generally necessary to <strong>define special guidelines for each individual program<\/strong>. Some of these guidelines will probably differ a bit from the standards set by the PMO for projects at your company.<\/p>\n<p>So, make sure that every project manager is familiar with the guidelines of the respective program and agrees to comply with them.<\/p>\n\n    <p class=\"datamintsbanner\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/project-management-newsletter\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"datamintsbanner__link\" title=\"Project Management Newsletter TPG PMO Resource Management Agile PM Project Projects Projectmanager Projectmanagementoffice\" style=\"display: block;\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/TPG_Banner-Blog_1400_Newsletter_EN.jpg\" class=\"datamintsbanner__image\" style=\"display: block; max-width: 100%\">\n        <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n    \n<h2 id=\"Chapter4\">Tip 4: Define an Appropriate Work Breakdown Structure<\/h2>\n<p>It is important to have an appropriate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/work-breakdown-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">work breakdown structure<\/a> for each project. This must allow program management to depict the interdependencies between the associated projects with regard to content and time frame. To achieve this, you must define the <strong>important milestones<\/strong> for each project. These milestones are later used to monitor the program.<\/p>\n<p>We also recommend that you create a separate master project for the program. This program plan should contain <strong>all the control information<\/strong>. All the interfaces or partial deliveries should converge and be controlled from here.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our tip:<\/strong> Remember to create a master project for high-level information such as major milestones, etc. to simplify the monitoring and control.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/ms-project-solutions\/business-solutions-ms-project\/multi-project-program-management\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">With the right business solution<\/a>, you will only need to open and edit one single project plan in the steering committee.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6466\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6466\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/4_Sample_WBS.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6466\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/4_Sample_WBS.png\" alt=\"Sample work breakdown for an IT program\" width=\"700\" height=\"416\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/4_Sample_WBS.png 881w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/4_Sample_WBS-300x178.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6466\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sample work breakdown for an IT program<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Read this article to find out more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/work-breakdown-structure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">work breakdown structure<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"id69573c2eafd6e\" class=\"iframecontainer iframecontainer--hidden\">\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__head\" style=\"background: #D60B52!important;\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__inner\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eafd6e\">\n                    <p><strong>Special Download: <\/strong> 10 Vital PMO Success Factors (PDF file)<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eafd6e\">\n                    <svg width=\"10px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"1092 550 10 16\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\">\n                        <polygon class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon__pfeil\"  data-for=\"#id69573c2eafd6e\" stroke=\"none\" fill=\"#ffffff\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"1093.875 550 1101.875 558 1093.875 566 1092 564.125 1098.125 558 1092 551.875\"><\/polygon>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe__inner\">\n                    <p>Please fill in the form.<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: xx-small;\">* Required Fields\u00a0 |\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/data-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Data Protection<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"cookieconsent-optout-marketing\">This form is blocked by your cookie settings to our website. Please <a>click here<\/a> and select at least the marketing cookies. Then this form will be visible. Thanks a lot.<\/div>\n\n                \t<!-- ENGLISCH Wichtig: nur den Code in download-asset \u00e4ndern - definiert Download -->\r\n<script type='text\/x-ccm-loader' data-ccm-loader-src=\"https:\/\/js-eu1.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/developer\/146642994.js\" defer><\/script>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"hs-form-html\"\r\n     data-download-asset=\"CU3E\"\r\n     data-region=\"eu1\"\r\n     data-form-id=\"ed0008c7-47d5-4c2e-ad2f-000bd95b74c5\"\r\n     data-portal-id=\"146642994\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(() => {\r\n  const FORM_ID = 'ed0008c7-47d5-4c2e-ad2f-000bd95b74c5';\r\n  const FIELD   = '0-1\/download_asset';\r\n  const roots   = new Set();\r\n  const formsByRoot = new WeakMap();\r\n\r\n  const setViaApi = (root) => {\r\n    const code = root.dataset.downloadAsset || '';\r\n    const form = formsByRoot.get(root);\r\n    if (!code || !form) return;\r\n    form.setFieldValue(FIELD, code);\r\n  };\r\n\r\n  window.addEventListener('hs-form-event:on-ready', (event) => {\r\n    if (!window.HubSpotFormsV4) return;\r\n    const form = HubSpotFormsV4.getFormFromEvent(event);\r\n    if (!form || form.getFormId() !== FORM_ID) return;\r\n\r\n    const root = [...roots].find(r => r.contains(event.target));\r\n    if (!root) return;\r\n\r\n    formsByRoot.set(root, form);\r\n    setViaApi(root);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  window.addEventListener('message', (event) => {\r\n    const d = event.data;\r\n    if (!d || d.type !== 'hsFormCallback' || d.eventName !== 'onFormSubmit') return;\r\n    if (d.id !== FORM_ID) return;\r\n\r\n    roots.forEach(setViaApi);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {\r\n    document.querySelectorAll('.hs-form-html[data-download-asset][data-form-id=\"' + FORM_ID + '\"]')\r\n      .forEach(r => roots.add(r));\r\n  });\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\n                    <style>\/* Kompaktere Darstellung f\u00fcr HubSpot Formulare *\/\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-Step .hsfc-Step__Content { padding: 0 20px 20px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=Renderer] .hsfc-TextField>*:not(:last-child) { margin-bottom:4px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-Row { gap: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 12px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-NavigationRow { margin-top: 6px !important; }\n[data-hsfc-id=\"Renderer\"] .hsfc-TextInput { padding: 8px !important; }<\/style>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div><h2 id=\"Chapter5\">Tip 5: Define the Interfaces between the Projects<\/h2>\n<p>Based on the aforementioned clear project structure with milestones, the steering committee regularly issues its targets. These targets are assigned to the corresponding projects (<strong>top-down<\/strong>), and the project managers are then responsible for meeting these targets.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, the current milestone dates have to be collected from the projects on a regular basis (<strong>bottom-up<\/strong>). Suitable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/project-management-tools\/program-management-ms-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">program management software<\/a> can ensure an easy-to-read presentation. The subsequent Tip 6 further elaborates on this software support.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>discrepancy between planned dates<\/strong> and the actual dates of the interfaces determines the necessary degree of centralized control by program management.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/pmo-survey-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TPG\u2019s PMO Survey<\/a> conducted in the DACH region in the year 2020 determined the status of PMOs from 330 companies. It came to the conclusion that managing cross-project interdependencies in the multi-project or program environment was one of the most important duties for successful PMOs. <strong>Top-performing companies were clearly ahead of low performers in this respect<\/strong>. These findings probably also apply to program offices.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4552\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4552\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/8.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/8.png\" alt=\"Managing cross-project dependencies is essential\" width=\"500\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/8.png 745w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/8-300x241.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Depicting and managing interdependencies between projects is important \u2013 Top-performing companies are more aware of the need to handle this challenge than others (Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/pmo-survey\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TPG PMO Survey 2020<\/a> n=330)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n    <p class=\"datamintsbanner\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/pmo-survey\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"datamintsbanner__link\" title=\"TPG PMO Survey Free PDF Download Projectmanagement Projectmanagementoffice PM Project Projects Projectmanager PDF\" style=\"display: block;\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/TPG_PMO-Study_banner_1400_e.jpg\" class=\"datamintsbanner__image\" style=\"display: block; max-width: 100%\">\n        <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n    \n<h2 id=\"Chapter6\">Tip 6: Use a Good Program Management Software<\/h2>\n<p>A strong multi-project tool \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/project-management-tools\/program-management-ms-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">program management software<\/a> is needed for successful program management and to manage complex programs. Many suitable products are currently on the market, and these have become ever more sophisticated over the past few years.<\/p>\n<p>For successful program management, we recommend a solution that enables you both top-down and bottom-up control of your projects as described above. The determining factor is <strong>how it lets you define the links between the projects<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7371\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7371\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/TPG-ProjectLink-2-Program-Management_E.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/TPG-ProjectLink-2-Program-Management_E.png\" alt=\"Program Management \u2013 Bottom-up and top-down control between the program plan and the individual project plans\" width=\"700\" height=\"325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/TPG-ProjectLink-2-Program-Management_E.png 3000w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/TPG-ProjectLink-2-Program-Management_E-300x139.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/TPG-ProjectLink-2-Program-Management_E-1024x475.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/TPG-ProjectLink-2-Program-Management_E-1536x712.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/TPG-ProjectLink-2-Program-Management_E-2048x950.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7371\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bottom-up and top-down control between the program plan and the individual project plans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You want to avoid a scenario in which you open the solution and immediately see all the changes related to linked tasks but cannot view the previous status for comparison, because you then might not be able to see exactly what has changed.<\/p>\n<p>The ideal solution would let you view the schedule and <strong>simply click to display the external milestones<\/strong>. This would let you view your program plans and links simultaneously, and you could easily modify your plans.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Reading tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/microsoft-project-management-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Microsoft Project Management Tool<\/a> Overview<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/roi-calculation-ppm-tool\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ROI calculation<\/a> for PPM Tools: How to Make Informed Investment Decisions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"Chapter7\">Tip 7: Set Up Automatic Synchronization of the Interfaces<\/h2>\n<p>In program management, automatic synchronization with the program plan saves you a lot of time when project deadlines are postponed. Ideally, you would be able to simply open the program plan and immediately see the current status of every milestone alongside its planned status (cf. figure in Tip 6)<\/p>\n<p>If you have numerous interfaces:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A solution like this can save you a lot of time<\/li>\n<li>You can concentrate fully on managing the program<\/li>\n<li>You are no longer wasting time gathering the latest data, which will soon be out of date again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Using the appropriate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/integration-middleware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">integration middleware<\/a> software enables you to combine various software tools from different sub-projects. This is useful for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/ms-project-solutions\/project-management-aerospace-defense\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">large-scale programs involving diverse suppliers in sectors such as the aerospace industry<\/a>. You can use Primavera while others use Planisware or Microsoft Project Server \/ Microsoft Project Online or the advanced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/microsoft-cloud-project-management\/project-power-pack\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TPG ProjectPowerPack<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6468\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6468\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/7_Integration_with_PSLink.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6468 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/7_Integration_with_PSLink.png\" alt=\"Integration of diverse tools in project and project management for bidirectional data exchange via integration middleware (example: TPG PS Link)\" width=\"700\" height=\"397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/7_Integration_with_PSLink.png 700w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/7_Integration_with_PSLink-300x170.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6468\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Integration of diverse tools in project and project management for bidirectional data exchange via integration middleware (example: TPG PSLink)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"Chapter8\">Tip 8: Establish an Early Warning System<\/h2>\n<p>Do not rely only on the currently reported dates when managing the interface deadlines. Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/milestone-trend-analysis-ms-project\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Milestone Trend Analysis<\/a> (MTA, e.g., this free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/project-management-tools\/milestone-trend-analysis-ms-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Milestone Trend Analysis for Microsoft Project<\/a>) for successful program management. For the most important interfaces and deliveries, you will receive an early warning with this tool, alerting you if dates are frequently being rescheduled.<\/p>\n\n    <p class=\"datamintsbanner\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/project-management-tools\/milestone-trend-analysis-ms-project\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"datamintsbanner__link\" title=\"TPG MTA Client (Free Download Development Milestone Trend Analysis TPG MTA Client standalone product. MicrosoftProject free download\" style=\"display: block;\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/08\/TPG_Banner-Blog_1400_MTA_EN.jpg\" class=\"datamintsbanner__image\" style=\"display: block; max-width: 100%\">\n        <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n    \n<blockquote><p><strong>Our tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Use the program plan\u2019s targets as target dates for important project milestones in the MTA. This enables you to easily identify the critical effects of any delays or postponements.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6469\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6469\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/8_An_MTA.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6469\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/8_An_MTA.png\" alt=\"An MTA with target dates shows you when postponements will truly become critical\" width=\"700\" height=\"279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/8_An_MTA.png 1343w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/8_An_MTA-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/8_An_MTA-1024x408.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6469\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">An MTA with target dates shows you when postponements will truly become critical<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"Chapter12\">A Program Management Example: R&amp;D in the Electronics Industry<\/h2>\n<p>The complexity of programs becomes clear when looking at the electronics industry. In this field, you have to coordinate features and releases across sub-projects. Below, we describe this <strong>example of program management<\/strong> with its challenges in more detail and give <strong>practical tips for the implementation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Characteristics of Products in the Electronics Industry<\/h3>\n<p>In the electronics industry, the product to be developed tends to consist of <strong>many different hardware and software components<\/strong>. Various teams develop these components separately. At the end, they are integrated.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, development and integration do not take place in one go with the complete range of functions. They are carried out step by step across\u00a0<strong>several development and delivery stages<\/strong>\u00a0with defined functions across all components.<\/p>\n<p>A program starts with the\u00a0<strong>specification of features<\/strong>\u00a0that make up the utility of the electronic device. For instance, a mobile phone includes an alarm clock an internet browser, and WLAN. Music playback is also possible.<\/p>\n<p>A\u00a0<strong>release plan<\/strong>\u00a0defines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>which feature will be provided or tested<\/li>\n<li>in which development stage or<\/li>\n<li>in which intermediate release.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some product developments have release plans with several hundred features. Their fifty or more delivery dates extend over a year or more.<\/p>\n<p>One feature usually affects several components built in different teams. That is the underlying reason for the complexity.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, the mobile phone alarm clock requires a user interface to set the time. The set time needs to be saved and registered as an event. At the appointed time, the loudspeakers have to produce one of the selected melodies.<\/p>\n<p>This means: an intermediate release with a working alarm clock will affect at least five or six components. Overall, you may have a hundred components developed by twenty teams. These teams have to deliver their joint contributions by the planned release dates.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6470\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6470\" style=\"width: 621px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/9_Program_feature_affects_several_components.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6470 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/9_Program_feature_affects_several_components.png\" alt=\"One feature in the program affects several components delivered by distributed teams\" width=\"621\" height=\"305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/9_Program_feature_affects_several_components.png 621w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/9_Program_feature_affects_several_components-300x147.png 300w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/9_Program_feature_affects_several_components-164x82.png 164w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 621px) 100vw, 621px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6470\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One feature in the program affects several components delivered by distributed teams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Challenges in Program Management<\/h3>\n<p>The affected\u00a0<strong>teams<\/strong>\u00a0are increasingly\u00a0<strong>scattered<\/strong>\u00a0all over the globe. They are allocated to their company\u2019s programs according to their skills.<\/p>\n<p>For this, you should use a\u00a0<strong>work breakdown structure<\/strong>\u00a0reflecting the responsibilities. Hence, components are planned in separate sub-project or component plans structured by features.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our tip:<\/strong> Plan your components in separate component plans structured by features. This will help you keep things in view.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The sub-project manager is usually also responsible for the assembly or component. Some companies have feature managers on top of this. The latter have the responsibility to plan and control the implementation of a feature across all components and releases.<\/p>\n<h3>The Challenge of Program Resource Management<\/h3>\n<p>The complex dependencies pose a constant challenge for resource management.<\/p>\n<p>Whenever component delivery dates shift, this has repercussions. The related test or integration task in another sub-project needs to be rescheduled, too. However, you will not want to do the resource planning for individuals at the level of the program.<\/p>\n<p>Better arrangement: the program manager and the sub-project managers agree on deliverables.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our tip:<\/strong> Agreeing on deliverables supports the cooperation between program and sub-project managers.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The result is that you do not plan resources at program level. All you plan are contents and target dates in the form of milestones. Naturally, these arise from the availability of resources in the sub-projects. Again, the sub-project managers control this availability.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Check out this article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/resource-planning-in-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Project Resource Management<\/a><\/strong> <strong>\u2013 Basics and Areas<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Establishing a Control and Early-Warning System<\/h3>\n<p>First, you have to <strong>design the central release plan for the steering committee well<\/strong>. On the one hand, you should match the releases and the increments of the deliverable features.<\/p>\n<p>After all, you want to have an overview showing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>all deliveries required for one release<\/li>\n<li>from all components affected<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It should tell you if all partial deliveries from the component will plans take place by the planned release date.<\/p>\n<p>Design your component plans accordingly. You want one standardized completion milestone per feature and release.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our tip:<\/strong> Central for component plans: one standardized completion milestone per feature and release.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>You have to roll out the targets from the release plan to these milestones. Vice versa, the actually planned dates need to be reported back to the release plan.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Sub-projects should not be linked to each other. The linking should occur solely via the release plan. This permits the steering committee to check the dependencies and scheduled dates at any time.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This is the only way to implement an efficient control and early-warning system for program management.<\/p>\n<h3>Bottom-Up and Top-Down Communication in Programs<\/h3>\n<p>A suitable software solution highlights the differences between the target and the actual situation in both<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the release plan and<\/li>\n<li>the component plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To achieve this, milestones from one plan are displayed in the other plan.<\/p>\n<p>In the image below, the steering committee can see a variance: Release 1 will include an early completion of Component 1.<\/p>\n<p>The situation is different for Release 2. This time, the plan for Component 1 reports an exceeding of the target date to the program manager\u2019s release plan.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6471\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6471\" style=\"width: 675px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/10_Top-down_and_bottom-up_communication.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6471 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/10_Top-down_and_bottom-up_communication.png\" alt=\"Top-down and bottom-up communication in the program as a key success factor\" width=\"675\" height=\"378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/10_Top-down_and_bottom-up_communication.png 675w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/05\/10_Top-down_and_bottom-up_communication-300x168.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6471\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Top-down and bottom-up communication in the program as a key success factor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Clear Data Responsibilities and Time Saving<\/h3>\n<p>A bidirectional program management solution is clever for one reason. <strong>Neither party alters the data of the other.<\/strong> The milestones are displayed in the other plan at the push of a button. This is for information only.<\/p>\n<p>The information serves as a basis for communication between the responsible parties. Thereupon, both parties can change their own plan. All project managers remain in charge of their own respective plan. <strong>Neither their own nor anybody else\u2019s data is changed.<\/strong> This is paramount for the acceptance of a software solution. In addition, this method saves time, since the communication becomes much more target-oriented.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our tip:<\/strong> Use project management software that provides information without changing the data structure of the other roles.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This ping-pong game between top-down and bottom-up communication between the levels is an <strong>key success factor in program management<\/strong>.\u00a0The appropriate software can provide the vital IT support.<\/p>\n\n    <p class=\"datamintsbanner\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3IFmguV\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"datamintsbanner__link\" title=\"Microsoft 365 Project Management TPG ProjectPowerPack: Best Practice Solution for Project & Portfolio Management Based on Microsoft 365 & Power Platform\" style=\"display: block;\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/csm_PPP_Blog_Banner2_EN_1300px_tiny_8e50efa17d.jpg\" class=\"datamintsbanner__image\" style=\"display: block; max-width: 100%\">\n        <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n    \n<h2 id=\"Chapter9\">Conclusion \u2013 Successful Program Management<\/h2>\n<p>This article has introduced you to the concept of successful program management and shown how it differs from terms such as multi-project management and project portfolio management.<\/p>\n<p>It has also given you <strong>8 tips for successful program management.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Establish <strong>your own program management office \/ program office<\/strong> with specific tasks. This includes aspects such as communicating the program, supporting the project managers, preparing reports, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Control is essential: make sure that program management <strong>processes<\/strong> for managing individual projects and handling steering committee meetings are clearly defined and adhered to.<\/li>\n<li>Use your PMO to communicate the <strong>program\u2019s unique characteristics<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Determine the <strong>appropriate work breakdown structure<\/strong> for each project and remember to create a separate master project for the program.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure that there is consistent <strong>top-down and bottom-up communication<\/strong> to communicate the targets and current milestone dates.<\/li>\n<li>Implement a <strong>strong PPM system<\/strong> to support you in this effort. Make sure it allows you to set clear links between the projects.<\/li>\n<li>Become more efficient and up to date by <strong>automating the<\/strong> <strong>synchronization<\/strong> of individual dates with the program plan.<\/li>\n<li>The ability to react quickly can be crucial. Use the <strong>Milestone Trend Analysis<\/strong> to stay up to date about dates that are rescheduled frequently.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Lastly, a program management example from the electronics industry has shown you how to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Start programs using feature and release specifications<\/li>\n<li>Coordinate teams or components via a work breakdown structure<\/li>\n<li>Facilitate the collaboration between program and sub-project managers<\/li>\n<li>Establish a control and early-warning system<\/li>\n<li>Optimize the communication within the program using the appropriate software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Our final tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Get to know the individually adaptable \u201cPPM Paradise\u201d \u2013 the optimal environment for your enterprise-wide project, program, portfolio and resource management (PPM). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/data\/Downloads_eBooks\/TPG_PPM_Paradise_eBook_EN_-_TPG_TheProjectGroup.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the free eBook \u201cThe PPM Paradise\u201d now<\/a> (just click, no form).<\/p>\n<p>And sign up for our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/project-management-newsletter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bi-weekly blog newsletter<\/a> with information on more hands-on articles, eBooks, etc. to improve your project management maturity level.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>What has been your experience with program management? Is there a critical success factor that you feel we have missed? Please let us know in the comment area below.<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"id69573c2eb0100\" class=\"iframecontainer iframecontainer--hidden\">\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__head\" style=\"background: #D60B52!important;\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__inner\" style=\"color:#ffffff;\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eb0100\">\n                    <p><strong>Subscribe to TPG BlogInfo:<\/strong> Never miss new practice-oriented tips &amp; tricks<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon\" data-for=\"#id69573c2eb0100\">\n                    <svg width=\"10px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"1092 550 10 16\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\">\n                        <polygon class=\"iframecontainer__head__icon__pfeil\"  data-for=\"#id69573c2eb0100\" stroke=\"none\" fill=\"#ffffff\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"1093.875 550 1101.875 558 1093.875 566 1092 564.125 1098.125 558 1092 551.875\"><\/polygon>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe\" style=\"height: 520px;\">\n                <div class=\"iframecontainer__iframe__inner\">\n                \t<p>Every other week: Receive practical tips in TPG blog posts written by recognized experts in project, portfolio, and resource management.<br \/>\n* Required Fields\u00a0 |\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/en\/data-protection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Data Protection<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"cookieconsent-optout-marketing\">This form is blocked by your cookie settings to our website. Please <a>click here<\/a> and select at least the marketing cookies. Then this form will be visible. Thanks a lot.<\/div>\n\n                    <iframe src=\"https:\/\/scnem.com\/art_resource.php?sid=hqvs9.qdei48\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 520px;\"><\/iframe>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div><div class=\"row cf\"><div class=\"column half\"><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/JohannS-200x200-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7379 size-thumbnail alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/JohannS-200x200-1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/JohannS-200x200-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/JohannS-200x200-1.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><strong>Johann Strasser<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Managing partner at TPG The Project Group<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The certified engineer has been a managing partner at TPG The Project Group since 2001. After many years as a development engineer in the automotive and energy sectors, Johann Strasser spent a decade as an independent trainer and consultant in the field of project management. During his tenure, he also served as project manager for software projects in the construction industry and provided scheduling and cost management support for large-scale construction projects. At TPG, he applies his expertise in product development and consulting services for international clients. His special focus is on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/pmo-project-management-office\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PMO<\/a>, project portfolios, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/hybrid-project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hybrid project management<\/a>, and resource management. For many years now, he has shared his knowledge through presentations, seminars, articles, and webinars.<\/p>\n<p>Read more about Johann Strasser on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/johann-strasser\/?originalSubdomain=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xing.com\/profile\/Johann_Strasser4\/cv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">XING.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"column half\">\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/AchimS-200x200-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7380 size-thumbnail alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/AchimS-200x200-2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/AchimS-200x200-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/AchimS-200x200-2.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>Achim Schmidt-Sibeth<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Senior Marketing Manager<\/em><\/p>\n<p>After earning his engineering degree in environmental technology, he gained many years of experience in project management through his work at an engineering office, an equipment manufacturer, and a multimedia agency. Achim Schmidt-Sibeth and his team have been responsible for marketing and communication at TPG The Project Group for many years now.<\/p>\n<p>Read more about Achim Schmidt-Sibeth on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/achim-schmidt-sibeth-3b89a417\/?originalSubdomain=de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.xing.com\/profile\/Achim_SchmidtSibeth\/cv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">XING<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n    <p class=\"datamintsbanner\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3IFmguV\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"datamintsbanner__link\" title=\"Microsoft 365 Project Management TPG ProjectPowerPack: Best Practice Solution for Project & Portfolio Management Based on Microsoft 365 & Power Platform\" style=\"display: block;\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/05\/csm_PPP_Blog_Banner2_EN_1300px_tiny_8e50efa17d.jpg\" class=\"datamintsbanner__image\" style=\"display: block; max-width: 100%\">\n        <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n    \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Keeping track of complex programs with countless subprojects is a challenging and demanding task for professionals. With the right methods and tools, advanced and powerful program management will help you keep track of everything important at all times. This article provides 8 recommendations and a program management example, which will help you when implementing and<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/program-management\/\" title=\"Read More\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":5652,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[62],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/599"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=599"}],"version-history":[{"count":117,"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/599\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6425,"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/599\/revisions\/6425"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=599"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theprojectgroup.com\/blog\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}