ABSTRACT
Program management is experiencing a rapid rise in interest in major companies, governments and other public institutions around the world. The question is why? The answer is simple: major transformational initiatives such as the development of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the design and construction of Burj Kalifa in Dubai, the development of the International Space Station, the bringing to market of a new drug, or the development, test and launch of a major software system, require a management approach that goes beyond what project management can offer. Organizations are questioning the nature of their initiatives and discovering that what they are really working on are programs not projects. And, they recognize that their project management practices, as good as they are, simply are not adequate to manage the enormous challenge posed by complex programs. So, they are searching for a better, more effective way to manage such initiatives; that way is program management. Yet, very few organizations have the internal capabilities, tools, techniques and approaches to manage programs for the simple reason that they lack the professionals with the necessary program management skills and competencies to do the job right.
