PM 505 Mastering Portfolios and Programs

When the interdependencies of projects are not managed well, the result is always decreased organizational performance. This course reviews organizational best practices regarding the disciplines of portfolio management, program management, and project management, focusing specifically on the differences between program and project processes, tools, measures, and metrics. Students examine the tools and techniques that, when effectively used to manage a set of interdependent projects as a single program, result in improved business performance and keep projects aligned with organizational goals and strategy. From a portfolio perspective, the student will learn industry-proven approaches to ensure that an organization is investing in the right set of projects and programs that provide maximum return to an organization given both budget and resource constraints.

Credits

3

Outcomes

1. This course will prepare students to:
2. Assess business strategy and examine how to align a program or portfolio to business strategy and goals.
3. Differentiate between portfolio, program, and project management.
4. Propose how to initiate a portfolio structure to achieve organizational goals.
5. Examine program management business strategy, goal, methodology, infrastructure, communications, benefits, and governance.
6. Contrast the activities of a project manager leading a project within a program as compared with a project manager leading a one-off project.