A series of articles introducing people already trained in Project DPro to the merits of Program DPro
How do the phases and principles of Program DPro correspond with those pertaining to Project DPro?
As a Project DPro certified PM, you will be familiar with the five Project DPro phases of Identification and definition, Set-up, Planning, Implementation and Closure.
By comparison, Program DPro contains the four phases of Identification, Design, Planning and Implementation and Closure. The key difference is Program DPro’s Design phase which has a strategic focus and is aimed at determining which projects and activities are needed in order to help the organization achieve its strategic objectives.
The processes conducted during the Program DPro Identification phase include the organizational Theory of Change and a review of the country or regional Portfolio. Subsequent to the review of these and other documents, the Design phase will employ many of the tools Project DPro certified managers will be familiar with, but with a more strategic focus. For example, the Logical Framework has the levels of “Program goal” and “Program outcome”. Similarly, Gantt charts plot all projects required by the program, rather than individual activities within each project. The key outputs of the Design phase are the Program Charter and the Program Proposal.
In Program DPro, planning and implementation constitute just one iterative phase. Rolling wave planning and implementation follow the philosophy of “Plan, Do, Review”. Due to the comparatively longer duration of programs, which can last years, they are often split into stages. Stages are managed through the use of plans and reports. Of course, many of the same project management areas, such as risk, change, human resources and finance are managed at program level, but with a more strategic focus.
Finally, program closure is often a natural end as the objectives the organization set about securing have been achieved.