Programme Management Skills - Case Study

Developing a programme management masterclass for a global IT consultancy

A successful, global consultancy specialising in the development and implementation of world-wide ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions, and the integration of legacy systems to web portals was determined to ensure that programme managers had the necessary skills and competencies to handle increasingly complex global assignments. Building on a global 'Project Management Competencies Matrix', linking essential skills and competencies to the complexity of projects and programmes, we developed a Project/ Programme Management Masterclass targeted at experienced project managers. A central theme of the class was experiential learning, facilitated by real case studies and numerous simulations, which embedded the concepts and ideas discussed. The Masterclass far exceeded the expectations of senior management and participants and helped managers 'raise their game' significantly. It also helped address the cultural, political and organisational challenges of spearheading major transformation programmes.

The Masterclass provided a new perspective on the role of the programme manager, and a deeper understanding of how to support or bring about major strategic change. The Masterclass initiated and now underpins a shift in mindset and attitudes which is successfully used today on programmes, especially in dealings with senior managers and in working in partnership with other consultancies.