By definition, program management involves effective coordination of a multitude of projects
and processes ranging from complex analyses of alternative treatment techniques to efficient
review and payment of contractor invoices. For relatively transactional functions, certain
automated tools like web-based financial management, project scheduling, and document
management systems have established new benchmarks. However, while the tactics of
program implementation may be well-defined, strategy development often remains
cumbersome, reliant on discrete and disconnected analytical tools. This paper discusses the
evolution of a program management approach which synthesizes these discrete analyses,
unifies decision-making within a structured decision-making framework, and leverages the
value of well-established transaction processing techniques.
Program management strategies must address:
selection, permitting and sequencing of infrastructure improvements;
balancing of program impacts with ongoing operational requirements; and,
regulatory compliance protocols.
Yet, because these issues often must be evaluated through relatively discrete, specialized,
expert analyses (e.g., plant analysis technology, hydraulic modeling, process design) strategy
development may be compromised by the absence of decision-making processes that ensure
effective synthesis of analytical outcomes.
An enhanced approach may unify the strategic and tactical aspects of program management
through use of structured decision processes. These processes aid in the development of
sound strategy by ensuring correct framing of implementation objectives and constraints,
determining the set of information necessary to efficiently perform critical analyses, and
applying decision analysis tools to formally evaluate alternative strategies. Decision analysis
tools may range from relatively simple evaluation matrices to more complex system
simulation or decision-tree software. These tools may draw from program management
document and scheduling databases and may populate program libraries. However, their
common characteristic is the evaluation of the outcomes of a plethora of discrete analyses to
help determine (and document) appropriate strategy.
In so doing, an enhanced program management approach will synthesize local and expert
intelligence to define a program implementation strategy, and establish transactions
management protocols to efficiently effect that strategy. Further, by making strategy
development a component of the program management infrastructure, unanticipated events
or outcomes may be addressed quickly and comprehensively, thereby best assuring that the
overall program maintains its course and schedule. Includes figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 620 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 10 |
| Published : | 06/16/2002 |
