Hi, 
Framework, Strategy, and Planning for Program Management
Course
Framework, Strategy, and Planning for Program Management
Master the frameworks, strategies, and tools that align program goals with business objectives. Dive into all three phases of the program lifecycle and learn the key responsibilities of a program manager at every stage.
Flexible Schedule
Beginner Level
Mentor Support
Estimated Time
4 weeks
2–4 hours/week
2–4 hours/week
Program managers play a crucial role in helping organizations achieve their strategic objectives, and this course is designed for aspiring and current program managers who want to develop the in-demand skills needed to drive program success and ensure organizational alignment.
In this course, youll explore the essential frameworks, strategies, and planning tools that provide the structure and roadmap for aligning program objectives with overarching business goals. You'll also learn about the three phases of the program lifecycle, detailing the critical responsibilities of a program manager at each stage.
Through interactive online labs, youll gain hands-on experience balancing portfolio and operations management, implementing strategic initiatives, defining program activities and deliverables, and applying effective risk management strategies. The course culminates in a final project that simulates a real-world scenario, giving you practical experience in a program management setting.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to build the essential skills required for success as a program manager, whether you are new to the field or seeking to enhance your existing expertise. Enroll today to gain the tools and confidence you need to deliver results and drive organizational success!
This course comprises five purposely designed modules that take you on a carefully defined learning path.
It is a self-paced course, which means it is not run to a fixed schedule with regard to completing modules or submitting assignments. To give you an idea of how long the course takes to complete, it is anticipated that if you work 2-4 hours per week, you will complete the course in 4 weeks. However, as long as the course is completed before the end date, you can work at your own pace.
The materials for each module will become available when you start the particular module. Methods of learning and assessment will include videos, reading material, and online exams questions.
Once you have successfully completed the course, you will earn your Certificate of Completion.
You will be able to:
- Align multiple projects and programs with your organizations strategic goals to maximize ROI.
- Apply proven frameworks, strategies, and planning tools to structure and guide program success.
- Navigate the three key phases of the program lifecycle and fulfill essential program manager responsibilities in each.
- Balance portfolio and operations management while ensuring program alignment with overall strategy.
- Implement strategic initiatives and define program activities and deliverables in dynamic business environments.
- Identify, assess, and manage program risks using industry-standard techniques.
- Demonstrate practical experience by completing a hands-on project that simulates a real-world program management scenario.
- Aspiring or new program managers
- Professionals transitioning into program management
- Entry-level project leads or coordinators
- Anyone seeking foundational skills in program strategy and planning
No prerequisites are required.
Course Outline
Video: Course Introduction (4:48)
General Information
Reading: Learning Objectives and Syllabus
Reading: Grading Scheme
Reading: How to Make the Most of this Course
Video: Meet the Experts (3:09)
Video: Program Management Overview (4:50)
Reading: Module 1 Introduction and Learning Objectives
Video: Program Lifecycle Overview (6:32)
Reading: Program Management Performance Domains
Video: Program Definition Phase (6:28)
Reading: Program Definition Phase Checklist
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Program Definition Phase (7:47)
Video: Completing the Program Definition Phase (7:47)
Lab: Analyze a Program Definition Scenario
Practice Quiz: Program Lifecycle: Definition Phase
Video: Program Delivery Phase (6:58)
Reading: Program Delivery Phase Checklist
Video: Program Closure Phase (5:53)
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Program Closure (7:51)
Reading: Program Closure Phase Checklist
Lab: Analyze a Program Closure Scenario
Practice Quiz: Program Lifecycle: Program Delivery and Closure Phases
Reading: Summary and Highlights: The Program Lifecycle
Glossary: The Program Lifecycle
Graded Quiz: The Program Lifecycle
Reading: Module 2 Introduction and Learning Objectives
Video: Strategic Initiative Development (5:31)
Reading: Illustrating the Strategic Initiative Development Process
Video: Demo: Portfolios as a Vehicle to Deliver Strategic Initiatives (10:02)
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Strategic Initiative Planning (7:09)
Lab: Develop a Portfolio Based on a Scenario
Practice Quiz: Business Strategy and Programs Link
Video: The Benefits Management Process (7:07)
Reading: The Benefits Management Process: A Checklist
Video: Demo: Benefits Identification, Analysis, and Planning (5:46)
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Organizational Maturity and Change (6:45)
Video: Demo: Benefits Delivery, Transition, and Sustainment (5:19)
Lab: Develop a Benefits Register
Practice Quiz: Managing Program Benefits
Reading: Summary and Highlights: Strategy Alignment and Benefits Planning
Glossary: Strategy Alignment and Benefits Planning
Graded Quiz: Strategy Alignment and Benefits Planning
Reading: Module 3 Introduction and Learning Objective
Video: Program Integration Management (5:21)
Reading: Program Business Case and Program Charter Overview and Templates
Video: Demo: Program Formulation Activities (7:20)
Reading: Program Management Plan Overview and Templates
Video: Demo: Program Planning (6:10)
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Program Formulation and Planning (8:55)
Lab: Create an Abbreviated Program Management Plan
Practice Quiz: Program Integration and Benefits Realization
Reading: Program Delivery Phase Activities
Video: Demo: Communications and Information Management (4:54)
Reading: Program Delivery: Quality Management
Video: Demo: Scope and Schedule Management (4:37)
Video: Demo: Program Delivery: Risk Management (9:49)
Video: Expert Viewpoints: Program Manager Role in Delivery (7:07)
Reading: Program Closure
Lab: Risk Management
Practice Quiz: Program Delivery, Closure, and Risk Management
Reading: Summary and Highlights: Program Activities and Execution
Glossary: Program Activities and Execution
Graded Quiz: Program Activities and Execution
Reading: Module 4 Introduction and Learning Objectives
Reading: Final Project Overview
Lab: Final Project: Sakura Sweets Online Presence Enhancement
Graded Quiz: Final Graded Quiz
Video: Course Highlights and Key Takeaways (4:49)
Reading: Congratulations and Next Steps
Reading: Thanks from the Course Team
Why Learn with SkillUp Online?
We believe every learner is an individual and every course is an opportunity to build job-ready skills. Through our human-centered approach to learning, we will empower you to fulfil your professional and personal goals and enjoy career success.
Reskilling into tech? We’ll support you.
Upskilling for promotion? We’ll help you.
Cross-skilling for your career? We’ll guide you.
Personalized Mentoring & Support
1-on-1 mentoring, live classes, webinars, weekly feedback, peer discussion, and much more.
Practical Experience
Hands-on labs and projects tackling real-world challenges. Great for your resumé and LinkedIn profile.
Best-in-Class Course Content
Designed by the industry for the industry so you can build job-ready skills.
Job-Ready Skills Focus
Competency building and global certifications employers are actively looking for.
FAQs
Program management focuses on managing a group of related projects in a coordinated way to achieve broader organizational strategy and long-term goals. Unlike the project management lifecycle, which deals with delivering a single projects scope, program management integrates multiple initiatives to maximize benefits realization and value creation.
The program lifecycle typically includes program definition, program planning, program delivery, and program closure. Each phase aligns with organizational strategy to ensure successful implementation of strategic initiatives.
Youll develop essential program manager skills such as governance in program management, change management, program integration management, program planning tools, risk management strategies, and benefits realization techniques. These skills will prepare you for broader program manager responsibilities.
Effective program management links projects directly to organizational strategy by aligning strategic goals with program management. This ensures programs deliver value and support business strategy alignment and project portfolio alignment.
Program integration management helps coordinate interdependencies between projects within a program. It ensures resources, risks, and schedules are managed effectively to achieve program success strategies.
Risk management strategies in program management involve identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks across the entire program lifecycle. This proactive approach helps program managers maintain benefits realization and ensure program delivery success.
Benefits realization ensures that the outcomes of programs align with the organizational strategy and deliver measurable business value. Value creation in programs focuses on maximizing ROI and aligning with long-term strategic planning initiatives.
This strategic planning course is ideal for aspiring program managers, project managers transitioning into program roles, and business leaders responsible for implementing strategic initiatives.
Yes. It includes hands-on program management training, guided labs, and a program management final project to help you practice real-world program planning and execution.
Yes. Upon successfully completing this program management course, youll earn a Certificate of Completion that will showcase your skills and enhance your credentials.
The course covers organizational strategy alignment, implementing strategic initiatives, and creating a program management roadmap to ensure projects contribute directly to enterprise-level objectives.
Yes, there are several well-recognized program management certifications you can pursue depending on your experience and career goals. The Program Management Professional (PgMP) from PMI is the gold standard for senior professionals managing multiple projects, while Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) by AXELOS provides a practical framework widely used in Europe. You could also consider the Certified Program Management Professional (CPMP) for governance and strategic alignment, or supplement with related credentials like PMP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMI-ACP, or Lean Six Sigma to strengthen your program leadership skills.
Type of certificate
Certificate of completion
About this course
05 Modules
07 Skills
Includes
Discussion Space
07 Hands-On Labs
03 Practice Quiz
03 Graded Quiz
26 Videos
Create
Develop a Portfolio Based on a Scenario
Develop a Benefits Register
Create an Abbreviated Program Management Plan
Exercises to explore
Analyze a Program Definition Scenario
Analyze a Program Closure Scenario
Risk Management
Newsletters & Updates
Subscribe to get the latest tech career trends, guidance, and tips in your inbox.