Business Project and Program Management

This report discusses the concept of program management and its importance in achieving business goals. It focuses on a case study of a global technology company and identifies key issues and recommendations for strategic transformation. The report also covers program scope and deliverables, estimating and scheduling, risk and issues management, and program management organization, governance, and stakeholders.

Business Project and
Program Management

Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
PART A......................................................................................................................................................3
Business Case/Program Management......................................................................................................3
Program Scope and Deliverables.............................................................................................................4
Estimating and Scheduling......................................................................................................................5
Risk and Issues Management...................................................................................................................7
Program Management Organization, Governance and Stakeholders.......................................................8
Program Control......................................................................................................................................9
Contracting and Supplier Management..................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Program Management can be defined as that process of managing several projects that
are related to each other. It helps in achieving required business changes by structurally
managing all the projects within the company. Program management helps in strengthening
overall alignment towards business goals and ensures that here is a better control over all the
projects (Badewi and Shehab, 2016). This report is based on SB, which is a global technology
company that develops and provides a variety of hardware components for its clients. The main
strategy of the company is to provide products that add value to the customers as well as are not
costly. The company now wants to build a business that delivers a technology system which is
completely integrated to the customers. The report identifies the key issues that have to be
considered for the overall strategic transformation program and project deliverables. It also
identifies the scheduling issues for the program along with their differences. A critical evaluation
of the program control methods as well as options for procuring, supplier selection and
contracting the consultancy is also included.
PART A
Business Case/Program Management
The process of managing, coordinating, planning, controlling and executing projects with
each other is known as Project Management. It helps an organization in carrying out business
operations in an effective manner and also assists in understanding the various issues the
company might face during the implementation of the project. In context to SB, the company
acquired WN, for which it developed a particular vision. Various efforts were made in order to
attain the vision but the company still did face many challenges and issues. For example, the
company decided to shift its manufacturing facility from Far Est to the US (Badewi, 2016). The
key issues that the company faced during the project are mentioned along with recommendations
that the company can implement in order to address the issues.
Poor Management – This was one of the primary issues that was faced by the company
in its business operations. This was because the manufacturing facilities overran in terms of cost
as well as time. Also, the implementation of costs was not properly controlled which led to an

improper management of scope. This led to a rise in further questions being raised about if the
company was able to manage change or not.
Quality Issue – Another issue/challenge that was faced by respective company was the
poor quality of products. Due to this, the overall identity or goodwill as well as profitability of
the company was affected. Quality issues were also faced in some parts of the business’s
manufacturing facilities.
Loss of Jobs – The acquisition of WN by SB led to a loss of jobs of many employees
which in turn impacted its overall performance in the market (Bakar, 2020). This was because
after the acquisition, the number of employees working in both the companies combined together
was increased.
Therefore, above stated are some issues that were faced by SB while carrying out their
business operations. These challenges not only affected the overall performance of the company,
but its profitability as well.
Recommendations
By analyzing the above situation, there are various recommendations that the company
can adopt in order to overcome these issues. It is recommended that the company offers training
and development opportunities to its employees from time to time so that they acquire new skills.
This will also contribute to their motivation and confidence level due to which overall
performance will improve. It will be observed that the quality of the work that they deliver is
also enhanced and the organizational goals, objectives are attained in an effective manner. On the
other hand, as far as issues relating to poor management are concerned, the management of SB is
recommended to hire candidates that are highly skilled and qualified. Such candidates will help
the company in developing effective strategies so as to manage the operations in a proper
manner. Lastly, to eliminate issues relating to loss of jobs that took place after the acquisition,
the company should adopt the policy of relocating the employees to different branches of the
company (Carroll, 2016). Any major change like that of SB acquiring WN, should be
communicated to the employees in a proper way so that they are prepared to face the situation.

Program Scope and Deliverables
A deliverable can be defined as a good or service that is either tangible or intangible that
is intended to be delivered to the customers. In context to this report, SB wanted to build n
organization that delivered a quality technology system that was totally integrated to its
customers. By supporting its present operations globally and focusing on cost, the company
shifted its manufacturing base from the Far East to the US which proved out to be successful
because the quality of products improved. One of the key deliverables for the company was to
develop expertise in software development mainly the interface with the mobile technology
(Davies and Brady, 2016). It was observed that the current product development organization of
the respective company that covered both software as well as hardware was not large. It involved
a portfolio of projects that were late and not yet delivered to the clients.
One of the other deliverables of the company was the release of Tablet Computers which
was delivered in partnership with DDC, which is an external consultancy company. It was seen
that this project did not come out to be successful because the overall process of development
was managed in a very poor manner. Although the company did introduce various methods,
Agile method or scrum being one of them in order to improve the performance of the project, it
still did not work out effectively. The Product Development Project of the company not only say
many challenges, but also was not successful. SB wanted to extend and enhance its competence
in software development and obtain competitive advantage in the market. For this, it acquired
WN, which was a large company that manufactured mobile phones. This helped the company
enhance its competence as SB acquired product development as well as software skills.
Apart from being successful, moving its manufacturing facilities posed other challenges
like questions being put up regarding the company’s ability to manage project change along with
its strategic objectives. Some of the projects stated above were successful, while some of the
other did not prove out to be as successful (Engelbrecht, Johnston and Hooper, 2017). There
were times when the company faced issues with managing the development of the software in its
product development project. The company failed to manage tablet computers due to availability
of limited user interface that the customers or the clients fond difficult to use. Also, the
manufacturing facility project was poorly controlled in terms of both scope as well as

requirements. Thus, it was identified that the lessons that were learnt from this change had to be
implemented in all the projects that will be carried out in the future.
Estimating and Scheduling
While carrying out the different projects, SB came across various challenges like poor
management of the processes, poor quality of the products, job loss during the acquisition etc.
Besides these challenges and other issues, the company did made efforts of improvement in
regard to this in the last 2 years. The two approaches for the program are as follows –
Agile Methods (Scrum)
In order to improve system development project performance, the company introduced
Agile Methods. But the first method failed as the development partners did not contribute as
effectively as it was required. Scrum can be defined as a framework for project management that
is light weight and is broadly applicable for managing as well as controlling both incremental as
well as iterative projects of all kinds (Görög, 2016). In an Agile Scrum Methodology, the owner
of the project works closely with a group of team members in order to identify and personalize
functionality of the system. These methods require a high degree of involvement and
commitment of the individuals if the project intends to be successful. Some benefits of this
methodology are satisfied employees, improvement in the quality, innovation and creativity
(What Is Agile Scrum Methodology?, 2020).
P3M3 Model
It can be defined as a model that outlines the way in which it delivers a project, portfolio
or program. P3M3 stands for Portfolio, Program and Project Management Maturity Model that
helps organizations in assessing their current performance as well as plan for improvement in the
future and manage change in an effective manner. The model ensures that a company work upon
the projects that are right and can be used practically. By using P3M3 Model, a company can
understand how can project management be implemented in a better way. Therefore, it not only
helps the different departments within a company, but also the company on a whole. There are
many advantages of using this model in the system, first of them being that an organization can
compare its performance with that of its competitors (Greenwood, 2016). Also, the model is

mainly about implementing the strategic ideas and implementing the same. This helps in making
all the employees feel that they are a part of the company.
The main difference between Agile Scrum Methodology and P3M3 Model is that the
latter is basically used to evaluate the maturity of the management within an organization. It
organizes, measures as well as structures specific activities of the organization in a simple and
practical manner (P3M3 Maturity Model, 2020). On the other hand, in an Agile Scrum
Technology, gradual builds that are progressive are delivered to the client/customers in small
durations of time. It is basically associated with improving the overall quality of a particular
program or a product.
Risk and Issues Management
Risk Management can be defined as identifying and prioritizing the potential risks that
can impact the overall performance of an organization and then accordingly developing
strategies to eliminate the same. By incorporating the concept of risk an issues management in
the system, a company can identify a particular risk in its initial stages and develop plan in order
to address the same (Lock and Wagner, 2016). This way the company will be able to carry out its
business operations in n enhanced manner. In context to SB, since the company acquired WN
which was a mobile phone manufacturer, it wanted to enhance the quality of its business so as to
provide best quality products to its clients/ customers. But while doing so, the company came
across various challenges and risks which are explained below –
Unemployment – This risk/issue was the result of SB acquiring WN due to which the
number of employees in the company was increased.
Quality of the Products – In this particular issue, the company was not able to offer high
quality technology products to its clients/customers.
Manufacturing issues – This was one of the major issues that was faced by the company
because the employees were not understand the operations of the company which lead to a
mismanagement of the resources.
Working style – This was the risk that impacted the overall performance of the company
in the market because it was using traditional ways of carrying out its operations. This impacted
the overall management of the company.

New Product Development – Wile developing products, the company also faced issues
relating to cost. This was because the budget set by the management was very low (Louth and
Spragg, 2019).
Thus, these are some of the issues that were faced by SB while carrying out its
operations. In order to develop an effective plan so as to manage risk properly, an analysis is
described below-
Identification of risk – This is the initial stage of the analysis wherein the company will
identify the potential risks that can impact its overall performance and productivity.
Assessing the risk – Once the risk is identified, it will be assessed by performing a risk
assessment and identifying its potential impact.
Prioritizing - In this stage, the risks that are identified and assessed will be prioritized so
that effective decisions can be made (Lytvynchenko, 2016). This will also help in addressing the
various issues properly and within a particular time frame.
Tracking Risk – In this particular stage, SB will track the risks in order to identify the
amount of impact that they can have on its functioning and the activities will be carried out
accordingly.
Implementation and Monitoring – This is the last stage of the analysis wherein the final
strategy will be implemented and monitored from time to time so as to ensure a smooth
functioning and performance.
Program Management Organization, Governance and Stakeholders
The organizational structure of a company helps the management in deciding the best
way in which activities can be conducted. It ensures that all business operations are carried out in
a structured and effective way. In context to the respect organization SB, there are many
functional areas and departments that work collectively towards attaining the goals and
objectives in the most efficient manner. There many issues that the company is currently facing
like loss of jobs, poor management, low quality of products etc. In order to overcome them,
various strategies can be adopted which can include providing training to the employees and
motivating them from time to time so that they don’t lost their confidence (Martinsuo and

Hoverfält, 2018). The company shifted its manufacturing facility from Far East to the Us and
also partnered up with a European company, thus, it will have to follow various rules and
regulations of both the countries.
Apart from this, a constant evaluation of the market should be done so that any issues or
risks are identified beforehand and can be resolved. Also, there are many stakeholders within a
company like suppliers, customers, employees, government etc. In respect to this company, the
major stakeholders are employees, board of directors, owners of both SB as well as WN,
customers and the management. Their view point should be considered as it can not only help in
attaining goals and objectives, but also gain a competitive advantage over other brands in the
market.
Program Control
Program Control can be defined as the process of controlling the different activities
within a business so as to achieve goals and objectives. It is important for SB to identify various
methods of program control so as to manage the transformation process (Maylor, Blackmon and
Huemann, 2016). Program control methods help in analyzing a particular problem that is faced
by a company and identifying the appropriate solutions for the same. A critical evaluation of
various program control methods for the respective company is described below-
Go/ No-go control – This particular method of program control includes the testing of all
the products in order to ensure that all the conditions that are set for the program are met. It is
somewhat difficult for SB to test all of its products and services. But if this is done, the company
will get to know the overall quality of the same (Smith and Dodds, 2017). Also, it will help the
company in testing if the products that are developed, effective or not. This will be beneficial for
the products that do not meet all the preconditions of the required standards of business. Go/No-
go control is one the most useful methods of program control but also has some limitations to it.
For example- it is a very complex process to test all the products of the company at once.
Cybernetic Control – This is one of the most commonly used method of program
control that is used by many organizations in order to determine the overall output of the project.
Program in this particular project of the company has both inputs as well as outputs. Therefore, it
is very crucial for SB to have desired output from the project that will support it in attaining
desired goals and objectives (Miterev, Engwall and Jerbrant, 2016). Cybernetic control is an

effective program control method that not only helps in controlling the overall output of a project
as well as attain the output that matches the desired business standards. One limitation of using
this particular method is that it completely focuses on the output of the project and ignores the
input.
In context to this report, Cybernet Control will be a better option to choose as it will help
in attaining the desired output of the project. Also, by adopting this method, the company will be
able to offer high quality products to its clients and customers. This will lead to setting up a
milestone of the project and thus the company will be able to match the overall quality of the
products to desired standards of business. As a result, the company will be able to manufacture
products that will be based on the needs of customers and are valuable. Thus, desired goals and
objectives will be achieved. Also, the output can be analysed in a proper way so that desired
output is achieved.
Contracting and Supplier Management
In this report, respective company is planning to build new software center of excellence
so that all expertise is available in a single location (Nicholas and Steyn, 2017). Therefore, it is
important for the company to identify and evaluate various methods of procuring, selecting
suppliers as well as contracting with consultancies. This will help in taking better decisions as
well as attaining the desired goals and objectives. The company will not only be able to make
effective decisions but also decide the better location where this can be done. The different
options that need to be considered are explained below-
Selection of Suppliers – In order to select the best suppliers, the company can either
select them on its own or let a vendor do the same for it. Both the options can be effective but
they come with their own advantages and disadvantages. If the respective company decides to
choose vendor on its own, the main requirement will be that it will have to select the ones that
are most trust worthy and offer materials at low costs. But the process can be very tiring and it
will also consume a lot of time. There are chances that the management of the company does not
have effective knowledge about the available supplies in the market (O'brien, 2019). On the other
hand, if a vendor is hired to carry out the job, it will have more knowledge about the same and
will be able to help in a more effective way. This will save a lot of time as well as cost.

Procuring – There are different methods that can help in creating and delivering
excellent products. The different procuring options available to SB are joint venture, private
financing imitative etc.
 Traditional method: In this method, the consultant will be responsible for developing the
design as well as managing all the activities relating to construction of the same.
Contractor of the building will be responsible for taking care of the same. Joint Venture: In this option, all the parties will have the responsibility to share the
functions as well as tasks with each other in an effective manner. Management Contracting: The role of consultant within this will e to design a building
whereas the contractor will have the responsibility of carrying out management activities.
In this particular option, a professional and highly specialized contractor will be hired.
Contracting the Consultancy - It is important for the respective organization to select
the most effective consultancy as it will provide better service and help the company in creating
center of excellence. The consultancy will help it in making effective decisions and developing
plans that will be help in attaining desired results (Rosati and Conti, 2016). There are different
ways in which a company can connect with a consultancy. One of the best ways of doing so is to
use internet to find and get connected with a number of consultancies. This is one of the most
cost and time effective methods as the information will be readily available on the internet.
Second option is to connect with consultancy with the help of third-party meeting. This way the
company will be able to meet the consultancy that is suggested by a trust worthy agency. But if
the company chooses this option, it will consume more time and the cost involved may also be
more.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that all organizations come across various
issues or challenges and in order to overcome them effective strategies should be adopted.
Project Management is a technique that can help in making sure that all business operations
occur smoothly without any kind of issue. It can also help a firm in acquiring its goals and
objectives properly. In order to do so, there are many practices that a company can incorporate in
its system like planning a clear vision that is measurable and can be achieved easily. The
deliverables should be analyzed and assessed properly so that effective strategies and plans can

be developed. All processes should be scheduled according to a plan and should be evaluated,
monitored from time to time. To identify potential risks and their impact, the management of the
company should carry out risk assessment by which the process of program management will be
carried out efficiently.

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
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Davies, A. and Brady, T., 2016. Explicating the dynamics of project capabilities. International
Journal of Project Management. 34(2). pp.314-327.
Engelbrecht, J., Johnston, K. A. and Hooper, V., 2017. The influence of business managers' IT
competence on IT project success. International Journal of Project Management. 35(6).
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Görög, M., 2016. A broader approach to organisational project management maturity
assessment. International Journal of Project Management. 34(8). pp.1658-1669.
Greenwood, J. ed., 2016. The effectiveness of EU business associations. Springer.
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Louth, J. and Spragg, A., 2019. UK Future Combat Air: A Programme Management Imperative.
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managing value-oriented, integrated multi-project change in its context. International
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Miterev, M., Engwall, M. and Jerbrant, A., 2016. Exploring program management competences
for various program types. International Journal of Project Management. 34(3). pp.545-
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technology. Taylor & Francis.
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business profitability. Kogan Page Publishers.
Rosati, U. and Conti, S., 2016. What is a smart city project? An urban model or a corporate
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