Program definition

Program definition deliverables and objectives

Artifact/Deliverable

Required or optional
Methodologies are a tool box comprised of processes, guidelines, techniques, software, and templates.  The tools and how they are used are selected to fit the program so that the risks, benefits, and complexities can be appropriately managed for that unique program.  The chart below outlines program management deliverables and tools that can be used in program definition.  An 'x' indicates that deliverable or template is highly recommended.  
Program charter
(last revised Dec 13, 2016)
x

Stakeholder register

(last revised May 1, 2015)
Optional to start listing stakeholders in this document while defining the program, or wait until doing more planning

Program management plan 

(last revised Jul 6, 2015)
x

Program kick-off

(last revised Jun 25, 2015)
x

Benefits register

(last revised Jul 8, 2015)
x

RAID log (risks, actions, issues, decisions)

(last revised Jul 9, 2015)
x
Program post-definition health check x

The program definition phase defines and communicates what the program is and authorizes the program manager to proceed.  The program definition phase does not go into the details of how, and does not approve a program since that was done during intake.

Program definition must contain what is known at the current time for:

At the end of program definition, an approved program charter by the sponsor authorizes the program manager to plan and execute the program according to what is defined in the charter and stages the program for team formation and planning.  It is understood that changes will likely be made during program planning and benefit delivery as more information becomes available and time passes due to the complexities, size and long time frames of programs.  These changes will be documented and approved in a program management plan with appropriate change requests.

PMO services to support program definition

  • assistance towards
    • determining success criteria for your program
    • defining and educating on program roles and responsibilities

To request these services, please submit a ticket to the PMO.