Business Project and Program Management

This document discusses the key issues and recommendations for strategic transformation program and product development project. It also explores risk management strategies and program scope.

Business Project and
Program Management

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Part A...............................................................................................................................................1
Identify key issues for strategic transformation programme and also give recommendations.. .1
Determine programme scope as well as deliverables for product development project.............3
Estimate and schedule approaches for programme.....................................................................4
Furnish risk management strategies............................................................................................5
Recommendations for ways in which SB can structure and organise their programme.............7
Evaluation of programme control methods.................................................................................7
Assess the options of procuring, contracting and selection of suppliers.....................................8
Part B...............................................................................................................................................9
Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of two frameworks of programme management
.....................................................................................................................................................9
Justify choice of frameworks for SB.........................................................................................10
Reflection on the choices and recommendations for enhancing performance in SB................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12

Introduction
Business project is defined as set of actions which are taken in certain time frame where
number of resources with development are involved for solving a peculiar need through which
financial gain or certain benefits can be attained. It becomes desirable for development of pre-
feasibility study of business plan by defining as well as quantifying needs of the project through
which uncertainties can be avoided (Bell, Bryman and Harley, 2018). Programme management is
defined as overall management of associated projects which links business change functions that
will lead to ensure proper implementation of the alterations.
To acknowledge the concept of business project & programme management, SB is taken
into consideration, it is a global technological firm with their headquarters in USA. They develop
as well as render wide range of hardware components for their customers. This report comprises
of aspects associated with programme management, its scope along with deliverables, estimation
and scheduling of the activities that have to be carried out by them. Furthermore, risk
management strategy will also be provided along with certain stakeholders, programme activities
and supplier management. Apart from this, certain frameworks will also be provided that will be
apt for organisation as per their offerings.
Part A
Identify key issues for strategic transformation programme and also give recommendations.
The framework that is responsible for furnishing management with sustainable and
immediate outcomes is referred to as strategic transformation. It aids to bring in innovation
through which growth can be attained like usage of creative software through which ease can be
provided to their customers (Bosilj Vukšić, Brkić and Tomičić-Pupek, 2018). This acts as a key
for enduring growth for organisation. In context of SB, business cases are illustrated below:
Vision: SB has adopted for rendering completely incorporated services in context of
quality technology systems for their potential customers and clients.
Services: The organisation provides their customers with higher value customized
software products for their specialist clients. Furthermore, SB also renders various hardware
devices at optimised prices through which they can accommodate adequate number of clients.
Strategies: SB provides their customers with low cost and valued products across United
States. For doing so they have designed diverse development strategies that involves
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diversification of mobile system along with software through usage of process of acquisition and
partnership.
Strategic transformation: This comprises of changes that are made by firm through
which they can attain their objectives and goals within stipulated time frame. For doing so, SB
has formulated new vision in which they aims at development of unified projects that will lead
them to have varied, intensified market shares along with reduced cost for new products. This
has been achieved by carrying out the strategy of acquiring and growth (Buttrick, 2018). Like
firm has acquired WN that is mobile phone manufacturer across Europe. This will enable SB to
have new development and diversification strategies. The firm have also delivered the Tablet
Computers in partnership with external consultancy named DDC.
When SB opted for bringing in strategic transformation, they experienced certain issues
in context of manufacturing location. They are illustrated beneath: Management issue: The manufacturing services that are being carried out by SB have
run over cost and time while they are delivering their services. It has been identified that
it occurred due to lack of adequate management and control of all the operations which
are carried out by the firm (Draijer, 2020). In addition to this, it also involves
perspectives related with handling of change, addressing scope and needs of their
potential customers. Clearance issues: When the process of acquisition has to be carried by SB then, it is
mandatory to have regulatory clearance. As this can lead within certain hindrances while
carrying out strategic transformation and it may also lead them to loose strategic industry. Quality issues: SB is not able to deliver adequate quality technologies for their
consumers. This leads to creation of antagonistic influence on productivity, goodwill and
profitability of organisation. Furthermore, by outsourcing the manufacturing bases the
quality of products can be maintained as per the desired standards.
 Job loss issues: When SB will be acquiring and integrating with WN, then there will be
job loss within the host country that will further lead to hamper the reputation of
organisation (Englund and Bucero, 2019). This may also hinder the image of SB as the
experienced employees may not be willing to work with them.
The issues that have been faced by SB are illustrated above and it becomes mandatory for
firm to ensure that they take up relevant measures through which overall impact can be neglected
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while manufacturing their operations in United States. Some recommendations are given
beneath:
 For dealing with issue of quality, it is necessary that employees are given training in
context of their working area from experts. This will lead them to acquire adequate
accuracy and knowledge with their responsibilities (Gemünden, Lehner and Kock, 2018).
Furthermore, SB must opt for having experienced employees so that they can meet
requirements of the marketplace.
 To deal with issues related with clearance, it is important for SB that they follow up all
the relevant regulatory concerns as well as make sure that all the mandatory legal
formalities are carried out by them in context of acquisition and furnishing of the services
across US. This will lead SB to carry out their operations without any kind of hampering
their functionalities.
 In context of job loss, employees of WN needs to prior informed about merging or
acquisition of firm with SB and in case if there will be job opportunities they will be on
priority (Harmon, 2019). This will lead them to have significant time through which they
can look for new job.
Determine programme scope as well as deliverables for product development project
Deliverable in context of project management is defined as quantifiable services or goods
which must be furnished depending on accomplishment of project. They may be either tangible
or intangible within the nature. In context of case study related with SB, firm is looking forward
to build up a firm through which they will be able to render quality technology system which are
unified for attainment of potential needs of their customers. For this firm has shifted
manufacturing unit from Far East to United States so that they can meet the quality requirements
of their customers in an affirmative manner. The initial and primary deliverable for organisation
is development of proficiency in software development in mobile technologies (Kerzner, 2018).
The recent product development of organisation has rendered customers with services that are
associated with development of software and hardware so that the desired purpose can be
attained. This also involves portfolio of products which are not provided to the customers.
The other crucial deliverable for organisation, SB is release of their Tablet Computers
which are being provided within partnership with DDC (that is an external consultancy). But this
posses serious threat with respect to future as the development and roll out processes have been
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managed poorly along with restricted user interface. It is important for SB to ensure that
operations that are carried out by them are appropriate and for this they opted for distinct
methods through which quality of project can be enhanced. Scrum (Agile) method is executed by
SB for enhancement of products which are rendered via them. But the method did not work in an
adequate manner and relevant results were not attained. The product development project is not
effective through which SB can have relevant profits but due to this certain challenges were also
faced by them (Kerzner, 2019). Along with this, firm is also looking forward for extending and
amplifying their competence in the field of software development through which they can attain
competitive positioning in marketplace. To meet this, critical step was taken up by SB that is
WN's acquisition so that they can manufacture mobile phones or hardware for them. It aided
organisation within enhancement of their capabilities in context of software skills and
development of products.
Apart from this, to be successful SB has taken their manufacturing operations in other
region but this lead them to face certain challenges that is inability for dealing with projects,
strategic accusative and various other aspects occurred that must be addressed. This is also
identified that some projects conducted by SB attained success but few did not go well and were
not able to render significant success. In addition to this, various issues were faced in context of
management of software that is to be developed in product development project (Klun and
Trkman, 2018). The user interface that is furnished by Tablet Computer of SB did not provided
an ease to their customers. Furthermore, manufacturing facility project was not appropriately
controlled within relevant manner like requirements were not precise, its scope, etc. Therefore, it
is crucial that facets gained from this has to be implemented in future so that the respective
outcome can be attained.
Estimate and schedule approaches for programme
In case when distinct projects are being carried out by organisation then different
challenges are faced by them like quality of the services, inappropriate management, etc. Firm
tends to amplify overall performance while delivering different projects. To deal with these
challenges in 2 years, SB can opt for approaches like:
Agile Method or Scrum Method: This can be utilised by firm for amplification of their
development project (Lehmann, 2018). It is a process through which team will be able to manage
their project by segregating them within various stages that involves continuous enhancement at
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each stage. But through its usage SB was not able to attain relevant implications and due to this
their operations failed. The reason behind this can be that, agile is light in weight which means
that this is adequate for those projects that involves repetitive activities. Furthermore, high
collaboration among team members is also needed so that overall function can be carried out as
per higher standards.
Portfolio, programme and project management (P3M3) Model: This is liable for
outlining critical information that enables firm to conduct their functionalities. It will aid them to
identify their performance as well as develop plans in context of present and future needs
(Martinsuo and Hoverfält, 2018). This will further enable SB to acknowledge practical
perspectives that are related with the project and ensure that this is done in efficacious manner. It
will also provide SB to have real time analysis of their competitors depending upon performance.
P3M3 will aid SB to attain relevant implications and maturity levels of management will
also be determined with reference to their activities and structure. Agile model is used by SB for
attainment of progressive reports which are being provided to clients in peculiar instance of time.
It will further lead firm to have enhanced quality and performance through which all the needs of
their customers can be accomplished adequately.
Furnish risk management strategies
The process that is utilised by project managers for minimisation of any probable
problems which creates a pessimistic influence on timetable of project is referred to as risk
management (Miller, 2018). The risks and issues related with the project are considered initially
then it becomes easy to either opt for an alternative or identify the potential solution that will
enable to deal with this. With reference to SB, there are some issues which may lead them to
have agnostic consequence on operations delivered by them and to cope up with this, they had
acquisition. This was done as an attempt for improvising overall quality of the business and
ensure that technological services are provided to them. Some issues that are faced by them are
specified below: Inadequate technology: The critical aspect is to address technical concerns when
software is being developed and if this is not relevant then organisation cannot sustain.
Like if currency convertor is developed by them then hardly people will opt for it as this
is already available (O'brien, 2019). This denotes that there has to be something new that
will cater the needs of their potential consumers.
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 Unemployment due to acquisition: It is one of the critical problem which is faced by
employees of WN as SB has acquired them. This means job loss. New Products Development: In context of this issue, firm is facing issues related with
cost and time. It has been found that SB was not able to accomplish their tasks on time
through which the cost of increased. It also created a negative influence on services
rendered by the firm (Poston and Richardson, 2019). Manufacturing issues: It is a key aspect that is faced by SB while delivering their
functions and operations. But due to inadequate management (mismanagement of
resources), workforce is not able to deliver products according to required standards.
 Working style: It has direct impact on operations and functions carried out by SB. The
traditional methods that are used by them are not adequate and proper for delivering
services according to required standards.
These denotes critical concerns that are experienced by SB while delivering their
functionalities after WN has been acquired by them in US. Furthermore, it is essential for
organisation to conduct analysis by formulation of strategies that are associated with risk
management (Rowe, 2020). In this context, mitigation processes are also depicted beneath: Identification of risk: It is critical for SB to determine probable events that have certain
risks associated with this. This might be in context of vulnerabilities that may be present
within the software and can create an influence on business. Conduct risk assessment: With reference to this, firm have to identify quantitative risks
that are associated with projects or events that are carried out by SB and here the
probable influence will also be taken into consideration as well as its occurrence. Prioritize: Within this stage, SB needs to prioritize risks which are determined with
reference maximum agnostic influence on their functionalities. In this case, firm have to
design strategies through which high priority risks are solved first then the next within the
list (Santos and et. al, 2018). Track risk: In this phase, SB needs to track and follow all the risks so that the entities
that creates enhanced agnostic influence is identified on their operations.
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 Execution and monitoring progress: This is last phase where SB have to execute these
strategies according to risk handling processes that have to be developed for attaining
specific objectives, goals and vision in peculiar time frame.
Recommendations for ways in which SB can structure and organise their programme
The organisational structure of firm assist management to identify best probable ways
through which they will be able to deliver operations in relevant way. It will lead them to ensure
that business operations are carried out in effective and structured manner. In SB there are
different functional areas and departments that works in collaboration with one other for
attaining goals and objectives in an appropriate manner. There exist different concerns which are
acknowledged by organisation, this involves diminution of quality, poor management , etc. For
handling them in adequate manner, there are various strategies which may lead them to have
precise outcome (Bell, Bryman and Harley, 2018). This can be attained by rendering appropriate
training to employees, inspiring them, building up confidence and having feedbacks for
identification of factors which may hamper their performance. This will lead SB to have
innovative services. The firm has adopted to shift manufacturing processes to US from Far East
and they have also done partnership with European organization. It denotes that firm needs to
follow certain policies, rules and regulations that are given by peculiar country.
In addition to this, the continuous assessment of marketplace must be carried out in an
affirmative manner so that if there is any risk then it can be determined before hand as well as
adequate steps can be taken up for resolving them. In addition to this, firm has wide range of
stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, government, employees and various others (Bosilj
Vukšić, Brkić and Tomičić-Pupek, 2018). Thus it is essential for SB to take into account their
view point so that relevant services can be furnished as per their requirements. This will aid firm
to attain their objectives, goals as well as have competitive edge over their competitors within the
market.
Evaluation of programme control methods
The process that involves identification of procedures and approaches which are utilised
by organisation for controlling and managing their business activities for attaining goals within
peculiar time frame is referred to as programme control (Buttrick, 2018). It is important within
SB that management ascertain the potential methods which are associated with programme
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control and will also render sufficient support for firm in context of transformation processes.
Some methods are depicted beneath: Cybernetic control: This implies a common control technique which is being utilised by
firm for identifying implications that will be drawn from the programme. This will lead
SB to give input and have relevant output. It will lead them to have relevant benefits by
making use of this particular model (Draijer, 2020). In addition to this, there exist certain
limitations in which emphasis is made on attaining outcome instead of ways in which it is
being done. It further leads to creation of agnostic influence on functionalities of
operations which are conducted while doing so (opting for model).
 Go/ No-go control: This comprises of testing of products that are being rendered for
ensuring that all the needs are merged in them to achieve the requirements of potential
clients. The model will allow SB to test software and system through which decisions can
be further developed. The advantage that will be provided through this will enable firm
within testing system and in case if any kind of bugs are found then they can be managed
in initial stages. The major limitation of this model is that it is time consuming model
which means that SB might not be able to attain their goals within peculiar time frame.
The analysis has been conducted and it is recommended that SB can opt for cybernetic to
have precise and on time results (Englund and Bucero, 2019). Along with this, quality of services
will also be furnished to customers.
Assess the options of procuring, contracting and selection of suppliers
It is essential for project manager to identify and determine the best and most accurate
approach for procuring, contracting as well as selection of suppliers. This will lead to have major
impact on implementation of project and successfully attaining desired goals. Assessing different
option for procuring, contracting and suppliers selection will lead to support in better decision
making process as well as taking better decision (Lock and Wagner, 2016). It is significant for
SB to evaluate different available options and relevant method which can be used in order to
carry out project management practices. Different options of procuring, contracting as well as
selecting the most accurate supplier is mention below -
Procuring – It is important for SB company to provide special care in order to correctly
and accurately execution of project management practices. This will lead to maintaining the
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quality of work as well as creating a centre of excellence. Different method of procuring which
can be consider by SB company is mention below.
 Management contracting – In this method contractor is responsible for performing
different activities and operations which is related to management of organisational
activities. Management contracting will lead to provide more specialized method for
performing procuring practices of project.
 Traditional method – This is the basic method of procuring as in this consultant will be
creating different components which are related to the management different activities in
order to develop series in different locations.
Selection of suppliers – Suppliers are very important for gathering and collecting right
amount of raw materials and other resources in order to perform organisational practices in better
and effective manner. There are different approaches which can be consider by SB project
manager in order to select the most effective supplier that will lead to timely completion of task.
The are two basic method for selection of suppliers (Louth and Spragg, 2019). One is to directly
select the suppliers and collect raw material as per the need. Where as other method is to contact
with vendor so that they can collect raw material and provide it to respective organisation. Both
of these methods are effective for selection of most suitable suppliers.
Contracting the consultancy – Consultancy will lead to provide support to business for
performing organisational activities in more effective and efficient manner. SB company can
contract with consultancy directly or by engaging with third party. Direct contracting with
consultancy will be time saving process as well as cost effective. Third party contracting will
include more cost and time of respective company.
Part B
Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of two frameworks of programme management
With reference to the case study of SB, they need to make use of certain project
management frameworks through which they will be able to ensure that services are being
delivered as per desired standards. The agile methodology and P3M3 are the adequate project
management techniques which will provide them with adequate results.
Basis Agile Methodology P3M3 Framework
About It is a project management methodology It is a framework that firms utilise for
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which utilise short development cycles
referred to as sprints that emphasise on
uninterrupted development.
benchmarking their present
performance as well as plan for
improvisation while opting for
managing and delivering alterations.
Advantages  Provides adaptivity and
flexibility which makes it apt for
uncertain environment.
 Brings in creativity and
innovation through which high
levels of excellence can be
attained.
 Minimised feature bloat by
utilising incremental
development effort and
prioritization of needs.
 Improvised quality and
customer satisfaction can be
attained.
 This will enable firm to have
higher returns on the
investment (Gemünden,
Lehner and Kock, 2018)
 It will enable firm to have
enhanced efficiency and cost
of production will also be
reduced.
 Enhanced employee morale
and improvised customer
satisfaction will be achieved.
 The quality outcomes can also
be attained through this.
Disadvantages  Relevant training and skills must
be needed.
 Documentation is sidetracked
that makes it difficult for new
member to cope up with this
(Harmon, 2019) .
 Single number illustration of
maturity which means that it
might mislead the report.
 Immature or inadequate
understanding of program &
portfolio management.
Justify choice of frameworks for SB
The comparison has been shown between P3M3 and Agile methodology as both of them
are adequate for dealing with the issues or challenges that are faced by the organisation. Both of
them will assist firms within having enhanced quality which will further lead them to attain
desired standards of the quality (Kerzner, 2018). With reference to SB, the major challenge
which is being faced by them is quality that can be handled by both of these frameworks. The
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other issue is of management of operations that are carried out by them. In case of agile
methodology, the success can be only attained in case if coordination occurs within the team and
this is mandatory which means that there will be automatic management of different operations
that are carried out by them. With reference to P3M3 framework, management perspectives of
the framework will also be ensured and both employees and customer satisfaction can be
attained.
Reflection on the choices and recommendations for enhancing performance in SB
I think that both of the choices are appropriate with respect to the case study of SB and
this can be ensured that precise results will be attained. When the project and its quality will be
managed in an appropriate manner then the time frame will also be maintained. It is
recommended that as per the needs of the project, organisation can opt for relevant framework as
P3M3 do not need enhanced training and cooperation but in case if each aspect of the project is
interrelated then agile will be apt as this needs cooperation (Kerzner, 2019). But both of the
approaches will be apt for addressing requirements associated with the project. Furthermore, it is
suggested that SB needs to motivate their employees through which they have a zeal to work in
an adequate manner.
Conclusion
From that above report it can be concluded that management of business project and
programme is very complex process. It is essential for manager to correctly manage all activities
and task of business project in order to attain the desired objective. It is essential to identify the
key issues which are associated with the strategies transformation programme. Evaluation of
scheduling issues will lead to analyse the impact of issues as well as development of better
strategies. Apart form this it is crucial to analyse the pros and cons of different project
management.
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References
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