Program Definition Program Sponsor: [insert name, title] Program Manager: [insert name] Estimated Program Start Date: [insert date] Actual Program Start Date: [insert date] Estimated Program End Date: [insert date] Actual Program End Date: [insert date] Program Description The overview of the program should be documented in the program charter, so provide a link to that document. State the program vision, as documented in the program charter, and record any changes to the vision here. The description should link to the documented business need in the charter and/or business case being addressed by the program, and capture the intended outcome and deliverables of the program. The Program Charter, intake form, and business case are good references for this section, initially, although this information may have to be changed in this section and kept up to date as the program evolves. Program Overview [Insert link to program charter for an overview of the program] Program Vision [Insert Program Vision] Business Need [Insert link to program charter and/or business case where business need already documented]
Program Management Plans Benefits and Benefits Realization Management Benefits Realization Management Provide a description of the process to be used to manage benefits and who is responsible and accountable. The management of benefits may include but is not limited to monitoring benefits for changes throughout program execution, ensuring benefits will be realized through the work being done within the program, the strategy for ensuring benefits are realized throughout the program duration, how often benefits will be monitored and who is responsible, how changes to benefits will be requested and approved, and details concerning the measurement of the benefits. [Insert Benefits Realization Management] Baseline Benefits Insert or link to the baseline (initial) benefits register. The benefits can be maintained within the benefits register template, or the table from the template could be copied here and filled out. Obtaining these benefits are the point of establishing a program for the scope of work to be done. The benefits should be specific, measurable, have an expected delivery date (with benefits being realized throughout the duration of the program), and have somebody assigned responsibility. [Insert link to Benefits Register, or copy benefits register table here to maintain] Current Benefits Create or link to the current, updated version of the benefits register (reflecting realized benefits, and approved changes to benefits (dates, measures, responsibility, removal or addition of benefits, etc). The benefits can be maintained within the benefits register template, or the table from the template could be copied here and maintained throughout program execution, according to the benefits management plan. Obtaining these benefits are the point of establishing a program for the scope of work to be done. The benefits should be specific, measurable, have an expected delivery date (with benefits being realized throughout the duration of the program), and have somebody assigned responsibility. [Insert link to Current Benefits Register, or maintain current benefits register table here to maintain] Roadmap and Schedule Management Schedule Management This section should describe the approach for creating, updating, and monitoring the program roadmap and schedule. This section should also include information on the scheduling tools/formats to be used, and schedule development roles and responsibilities. [Insert Program Schedule Management]
Procurement Management Provide a description of the necessary steps and responsibilities for procurement from the beginning to the end of the program. Include separation of responsibility for sub-programs, projects and initiatives. Depending on the program, this section may require the Program Manager to work closely with Procurement, a Licensing Coordinator, etc. Include information on who is responsible for contract negotiations, approvals, maintaining the vendor relationship and monitoring vendor progress against contract and statements of work. [Insert Procurement Management Plan] Staffing Management Provide a description of how the program will be staffed and how staff will be managed. List key resources and times/durations they are needed, as well as any required program staff training to prepare them. Also include strategy for staffing sub-programs, projects and initiatives. Include any information on reporting relationships and/or dotted reporting relationships, staff performance issues, and how escalations will be handled if staff availability is an issue. [Insert Staffing Management Plan] Risk & Issue Management Provide a description of the approach taken to identify and manage program risks, actions, issues and decisions (RAID). It should include how they are reported, logged, tracked and monitored. Include who has access to submit them, who is accountable for dealing with them, any agreed upon response times that should be documented, etc. Specifically identify how risk triggers are monitored and by whom, and how a risk is converted to an issue when triggers fire. This section should clearly point to where the RAID log for the program is stored. [Insert Risk & Issue Management Plan and link to RAID log] Program Governance Governance Committee(s) Describe the program governance structure (diagrams may be used with this description). Describe the roles and responsibilities of each governing group, outlining decision making authority, and overall interest/focus/purpose of the group within the program. Document how often the governing groups will meet, who will chair, and who attends the meetings (as a member and as a reference source, when required). If there is a terms of reference documented for the group, provide a link to it. [Insert Governance Committee(s)]