Programme management competence research

Abstract

The growth of programme management has brought with it a demand for competent programme managers. Experienced project managers have typically been promoted into these roles, often with little development or support. From the widely held project-based perspective the logic is self-evident, so it is rarely articulated or questioned. Programme management is an extension of project management — more demanding and complex, but amenable to the same underlying principles and approaches. Programme management competence is therefore an advanced form of project management competence, and a programme role is a progression in the careers of project managers. Consequently, an organization’ s pool of project managers is the natural source of individuals capable of moving into programme roles. The most competent and successful project managers are best placed to take on programme roles.