Skip to content
Added to your CPD log

View or edit this activity in your CPD log.

Go to My CPD
Only APM members have access to CPD features Become a member Already added to CPD log

View or edit this activity in your CPD log.

Go to My CPD
Added to your Saved Content Go to my Saved Content

What is programme management?

Definition

Programme management is the coordinated management of projects and business-as-usual activities to achieve beneficial change

A programme is a unique and transient strategic endeavour undertaken to achieve a beneficial change and incorporating a group of related projects and business-as-usual activities.

Definition from APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition

Introimage Resources Whatispm Whatisprogrammemangement 1000X1000

Delivering programme change

Programmes are often defined as delivering change and would typically incorporate the full utilisation of benefits to satisfy the business case. They utilise capital expenditure to acquire assets, services, products and capability, alongside operating expense incurred as a result of performing normal business operations.

Shaping programmes requires the selection and framing of projects and other work in business-as-usual into a structure where benefits can be delivered incrementally over time. To shape a programme, the sponsor works with stakeholders as early as possible to establish:

  • a clear understanding of the desired future state – typically described as a ‘programme vision’;
  • how much risk investors are willing to tolerate in achieving their objectives (risk appetite).

Change programme vs. steady-state activities

Change programme vs. steady-state activities

Source: Introduction to programme management, 2nd edition

Watch: What is programme management?

This video is hosted by a third party (YouTube.com), you cannot view this video content unless you accept marketing cookies. If the popup doesn't appear, please clear your browser cache and refresh the page.

Programme, planning and governance

Shaping the programme to accomplish the vision requires the sponsor and programme manager to select and organise projects and other business-as-usual activities. The programme manager is responsible for day-to-day management of the programme including the coordination of projects and change management activities.

Programme planning is always benefits led, and a programme deployment approach and life cycle are characteristically iterative to facilitate decisions about the optimal next steps.

Sometimes, governance of projects within programmes is set up independently to programme governance. Where this is the case project sponsors are part of the programme governance structure to ensure a continual focus on programme benefits and the alignment of priorities.

The programme board is a body that provides sponsorship and governance to a programme. The board will represent financial, provider and user interests.

Related reading

Getty Images 878934088 1920X1080 Clay
Major programmes – unscrambling complex puzzles

When faced with a messed-up Rubik’s Cube, it can be easy to give up when it seems just too complex to unscramble. But this perception could result from various things... read more.

Productcard Projectification Resources Whatisprogrammemanagement 1920X1080
Projectification in western economies: a comparative study of Germany, Norway and Iceland
This paper looks at the outcomes of three recent comparative studies in Germany, Norway and Iceland which aimed to quantify how much projectification was taking place in those countries... read more.
Productcard Projectsprogrammesportfolios Resources Whatisprogrammemanagement 1920X1080
Projects, programmes and portfolios, so what is the difference?
The grouping can be by geographical location, capability, customer type, etc, as determined by the organisation’s circumstances. The portfolio should be designed to maximise return on investment, maintain skills in the workforce, and to aid control of costs and benefits... read more.
Productcard Organisationaldesign Resources Whatisplanning1920x1080
Project management and productivity review
While the contribution of project management to productivity has often been assumed, evidence about this relationship is rarely examined... read more.
A train moving quickly through an underground tunnel
Project studies: What it is, where it is going?
This paper proposes a new framework for project research, the project studies framework, containing three levels of analysis and three types of research... read more.
A woman speaks to her colleagues at a conference table
Are you looking to take the step up to programme management? We can help

What are the main challenges for project managers who are looking to step up and engage in a career in programme management? ... read more

What is the difference between, programmes, projects and products?

Do you know the difference between programmes, projects and products? The infographic below compares each against key elements to highlight their differences and how they might be applied.

APM Programme Management Interest Network

Programme management is focused on the delivery of change within an organisation or environment. The transition from projects delivering outputs to embedding new working practices as business as usual, requires a planned and systematic approach necessitating leadership, drive and commitment.

Get involved in the community

APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition

The APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition is a foundational resource providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management. It reflects the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision makers, project professionals and their teams. 

Buy from the bookshop
A book titled APM Body of Knowledge placed on an office desk

You may also be interested in

Laptop screen showing the APM Learning dashboard
APM Learning

The APM Learning portal is an online resource which provides members with access to digital guides, modules and other digital learning resources as part of the membership benefit.

Man wearing headphones using a tablet whilst sat on the sofa
What is ...?

Browse our popular project management 'What is ...?' topics for definitions, quick insights, view related case studies, research, blogs and glossary.

A magazine spread featuring a vibrant photo of diverse individuals engaging on a lively city street.
Project Journal

Project – APM's official journal – is circulated quarterly for members only, and online for regularly updated news, blogs, opinions and insights for those in the project community.

A woman engaged with her laptop, accessing a website while seated at a desk in a well-lit environment.
APM Community

The APM Community is our online community platform that connects our members faster and easier than ever before.