Chapter 3. Initiating a Program

THE PGMP EXAM CONTENT FROM THE INITIATING THE PROGRAM PERFORMANCE DOMAIN COVERED IN THIS CHAPTER INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES:

• 1.1 Perform a program assessment by defining the program objectives, requirements and establishing a high-level road map in order to ensure program alignment with the enterprise strategic plan or mission.

• 1.2 Support business analysis functions in identifying marketplace needs for potential program offering in order to ensure program viability through researching, market analysis, and high-level cost-benefit analysis.

• 1.3 Develop benefits realization plan by estimating the costs and benefits (ROI) of the program in order to establish the program feasibility and obtain funding.

• 1.6 Evaluate the organization's capability by consulting with the groups involved with delivery in order to validate the program priority and alignment to the strategic objectives.

• 2.1 Define the program mission statement by assembling the stakeholders' concerns and expectations in order to establish program direction and set a baseline for any further action.

• 2.2 Translate strategic objectives into high-level project scope statements by negotiating with stakeholders in order to create a program scope description.

• 2.3 Develop a high-level milestone plan using goals and objectives of the program, applicable historical information, and other available resources in order to align program with expectations of sponsors and stakeholders.

• 2.4 Develop an accountability matrix by identifying and assigning program roles and responsibilities in order to build the core team and to differentiate between the program and project resources.

• 2.5 Establish project management standards within the program (governance, tools, finance, and reporting) using industry best practices and enterprise standards in order to drive efficiency and consistency among projects.

• 2.6 Define meaningful measurement criteria for success by analyzing stakeholder expectations and requirements across the constituent projects in order to accurately control program performance.

• 2.7 Obtain senior management approval for the program by presenting the program charter with its high-level costs and benefits for the organization in order to receive authorization to proceed to the next phases.

• 2.8 Conduct program kick-offs with stakeholders by holding a series of meetings in order to familiarize the organization with the program.