David MillsSenior Program Manager| GoogleBrentwood, Ca, United States
I would like some input / advice on creating a program that is a sub-set subordinate program to a larger program.
I've been managing projects that a part of a program, but my immediate leadership feels a new program should be created. The larger program was recently chartered, and is somewhat high level. I've advised leadership that we should focus on identifying, and tracking the project work needed to support the program. I feel than standing up a new program runs the risk of misalignment to the larger program, and duplication of efforts.
Any thoughts, examples, or ideas appreciated! Saving Changes...
It is not uncommon in large organizations. For example, in commercial aircraft design and manufacture, there are programs for each major model (e.g. 737, 747, etc.). There may be subsets designated as their own program due to the broad scope, such as a new unique variant like a freighter or military derivative. This helps ensure the special program supports the business objectives of the overarching program.
The org charts can get messy. The lower tier organization reports to the higher tier. Contributors may be dedicated to the sub-tier or not. Often people can work on both the higher and lower tier projects in a weak or strong matrix type org. Often people are "hard-lined" to one set of functional management, and "dotted-lined" to the the lower tier program on the org charts based on where the majority of work is performed. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
My personal experience is closer to @Keith comments above including my actual work place. Just trying to add something I am in charge to lead the migration of this type of taxonomies to SAFe using it for software and non software projects. While I am not in line with SAFe (no matter that I use it from 2010 and to implement it as I mentioned) I think you can take a look and take some ideas from the definitions inside. Saving Changes...
Arpit BhardwajAssistant Manager| Expo 2020Dubai, Du, United Arab Emirates
In my recent organisation, we had a similar situation as we had 100's of applications including programs from more than 20 other business units to be incorporated under a program to show progress to the senior leadership. Instead of creating a high level program. We resolved it by modifying our reporting. The concern senior management usually have is that they would see too many details in their reports that doesn't concern them.
So, another way is to combine the similar elements of the program and showcase progress through business objectives or goals of the program. In that case you are showing tangible progress.
Ex- if you have components of technology, and other dissimilar projects, which have dependency on each other. You may showcase list your business objectives and show RAG status, risk and issues against them. Saving Changes...
