Advanced Certificate in Program and Project Management

Welcome to Program: Advanced Certificate in Program and Project Management by MTF Institute

Course provided by MTF Institute of Management, Technology and Finance

MTF is the global educational and research institute with HQ at Lisbon, Portugal, focused on business & professional hybrid (on-campus and online) education at areas: Business & Administration, Science & Technology, Banking & Finance.

MTF R&D center focused on research activities at areas: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Big Data, WEB3, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets, Metaverses, Digital Transformation, Fintech, Electronic Commerce, Internet of Things.

MTF is the official partner of: IBM, Intel, Microsoft, member of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

MTF is present in 215 countries and has been chosen by more than 620 000 students.

Author of the course:

Ana Cristina M. B. Saraiva is a distinguished professional with a robust blend of academic and industry experience, specializing in management, strategic development, and ethical leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in Management from Lusíada University, where she excelled in research management, critical analysis of management models, and advanced research methodologies, earning recognition for her contributions to the field.

She currently serves as a Project Manager at the Portuguese Association of Business Ethics (APEE). Her role underscores her commitment to driving ethical innovation and sustainability in both public and private sectors.

In academia, she has made significant contributions as a consultant and researcher at Lusíada University’s COMEGI research center. She has collaborated with esteemed national and international institutions, including IST (Lisbon University) and various European universities, to advance research and implement cutting-edge solutions in management and organizational practices. Her editorial expertise includes managing and indexing scientific journals in Scopus, DOAJ, and other prestigious platforms, reflecting her dedication to high standards in academic publishing.

Her industry experience spans over a decade, including pivotal roles in luxury hospitality, where she led efforts in event coordination, quality assurance, and guest satisfaction. She has a proven track record of enhancing operational excellence and strategic management, making her a versatile leader capable of driving results in diverse settings.

Ana Saraiva’s extensive scholarly output includes numerous peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations that address critical issues in management, ethics, and digital transformation. She is adept in a wide range of digital tools and platforms, such as SPSS, SAS, and NVivo, which she leverages to optimize research and business outcomes.

With a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, Ana Cristina M. B. Saraiva is dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals to achieve excellence through innovative solutions and responsible leadership in the global business landscape.

Introduction to the Program Management Module

The module introduces program management, highlighting its strategic role in managing related projects to achieve broader organizational goals. The session is divided into four stages:

1. What is Program Management

2. The Role of a Program Manager

3. Understanding Projects – key stages, artifacts, documents, meetings, and activities.

4. Program Management Methodologies – including benefits and challenges.

Key Concepts and Insights

What is Program Management?

• Definition: Coordinated management of related projects for strategic alignment and value delivery.

• Focuses on improving organizational performance, managing interdependencies, and delivering consolidated benefits.

The Role of a Program Manager

• Operates at a strategic level to align projects with organizational objectives.

• Distinct from a project manager, focusing on coordination, strategic outcomes, and long-term benefits.

• Responsibilities include program planning, resource allocation, governance, and change management.

Strategic Program Alignment

• Ensures programs contribute to organizational strategy through proper planning and alignment.

• Involves stakeholder engagement, governance, and risk management.

Program Lifecycle Management

• Phases include:

  • Initiation: Defining vision, stakeholders, and initial planning.

  • Planning: Roadmaps, risk assessment, and governance.

  • Execution & Monitoring: Tracking progress and benefits realization.

  • Closure: Consolidating outcomes and transitioning deliverables to operations.

Benefits Management

• Focus on achieving long-term value through effective tracking, analysis, and transitioning deliverables into operations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Active management of relationships and communication to align stakeholder needs with program objectives.

• Tools include communication plans and risk identification strategies.

Governance

• Establishes a framework to ensure programs align with organizational policies and maintain transparency.

Key Takeaways

• Program management delivers strategic benefits beyond individual projects.

• Involves a lifecycle approach from initiation to closure, with a focus on long-term outcomes.

• Core skills include strategic thinking, leadership, risk management, and stakeholder alignment.

Summary of the Program Management Module Detailed

This course is divided into 4 stages. The first one is “what is Program Management”, the second one is the role of a program manager, the third stage is “Understanding Programs: Key Stages, Artifacts, Documents, Meetings, and Activities”, and the last one focus on the methodologies, benefits and challenges.

This lesson is structured in eight stages, each diving into key aspects of program management:

Introduction to Program Management: We’ll start by understanding what program management is, its importance, and how it differs from project management. This includes exploring the definition, key objectives and expected outcomes, along with its history and evolution.

Then, we will have the Key Functions and Responsibilities as a Program Manager: This section will examine the strategic role of a program manager, their essential competencies and critical responsibilities, such as strategic planning, stakeholder management, risk, and quality governance.

The Program Management Lifecycle: Here, we’ll cover the program management stages, from initiation to closure, along with important artifacts and documents like the program charter, benefits realization plan, and risk register.

Key Functions in Program Management: This part will emphasize strategic alignment, benefits management, resource allocation, and financial oversight, focusing on metrics that track program performance and impact.

Methodologies and Frameworks in Program Management: We’ll dive into common frameworks such as Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), and hybrid models, along with essential tools for program oversight.

Challenges in Program Management: In this section, we’ll discuss challenges like cross-project dependencies, stakeholder expectations, scope creep, and solutions for communication breakdowns and resource constraints.

Advanced Program Management Techniques: This includes leadership approaches, adaptive communication, and ethical decision-making, along with case studies that highlight best practices in successful programs.

Program Management Benefits, Metrics, and Evaluation: We’ll conclude by discussing metrics for assessing program impact, long-term benefits realization, and continuous improvement for future programs.

Throughout these lessons, you will gain insights into the comprehensive scope of program management, its methodologies, and the skills required to ensure successful program outcomes.

This structure will reinforce the strategic importance of program management in achieving organizational goals.

What is Project Management?

Project management is the organized application of knowledge, processes, skills, and tools to guide a project from its beginning to its successful completion. It involves:

• Defining goals: Deciding what the project should achieve.

• Planning: Mapping out the steps and resources needed.

• Executing: Putting the plan into action, directing the team, and managing resources.

• Monitoring and controlling: Tracking progress, managing changes, and addressing issues.

• Closing: Reviewing the project, documenting results, and learning from the experience.

What is Business Project Management?

Business project management refers to applying project management principles within a business setting. These projects focus on achieving business objectives such as:

• Launching new products or services

• Improving or automating business processes

• Restructuring departments

• Implementing new software systems

The Role of Project Management

Project management plays a critical role in businesses because it:

• Increases Efficiency: A well-defined project plan helps streamline work and avoid wasted effort.

• Ensures Results: Project management keeps the focus on meeting defined goals within time and budget restrictions.

• Manages Risk: Potential problems are anticipated and mitigated through careful planning and monitoring.

• Improves Communication: Clear communication channels among team members, stakeholders, and clients help avoid misunderstandings.

• Improves Client Satisfaction: Successful project completion within agreed-upon parameters builds trust with clients.

Why is Learning Project Management Important for Companies?

Companies invest in their employees' project management training because:

Competitive Advantage: Companies with strong project management capabilities deliver projects more successfully, gain a reputation for reliability, and outperform competitors.

Reduces Costs: Inefficient projects cost more due to delays and wasted resources. Project management helps optimize resources.

Enhances Employee Morale: Well-run projects minimize stress, improve team collaboration, and create a sense of accomplishment.

Improves Innovation: Structured project management allows for managing innovation projects, leading to a culture of innovation within the company.

How Project Management Skills Boost Your Career

Developing your project management skills can significantly enhance your career prospects:

High Demand: Project managers are in demand across industries like IT, construction, healthcare, etc.

Better Salary: Skilled project managers often earn higher salaries due to their expertise.

Leadership Potential: Project management provides a solid foundation for taking on leadership roles within organizations.

Versatility: Project management skills apply to a wide range of jobs and roles, not just project management positions.

Personal Growth: You'll build organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, making you an asset to any team