ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the case of a large programme in the German armed forces as an example of programme management in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The objective of the HERKULES programme in 2006 was to equip the German armed forces with modern, reliable, secure and economical ICT. The HERKULES project was initiated by the federal government through a number of pilot projects for the privatization of public tasks. The main objective was to relieve armed forces personnel of non-core activities, such as the IT operation. Another objective was to resolve a year-long investment backlog and modernize all the non-military information and communication technology. Methods had to be devised to make the projects more manageable and reduce complexity. Programme management objectives also included creating transparency, support of corporate objectives, cost efficiency, optimization of resources and controllability. Management has been characterized particularly by: standardized governance; focused project planning; and risk assessment and control at the programme level.
