Programme management

Programmes can be distinguished from projects in their complexity and in how they link with the strategic vision of an organisation. As a discipline, programme management originates in the lessons learned from the large-scale, high-expenditure military programmes of the 1980s, which often delivered behind schedule and vastly over budget.

This section defines programme management, addressing its characteristics, principles and life cycle. In particular, it differentiates the discipline from project management and portfolio management, with which it is sometimes confused.

It then discusses aspects such as governance and risk management, before addressing the importance of learning lessons.

This section is maintained by Glenn Keelan and Miles Ashley of Wessex Advisory Ltd.