Program Management and Systems Engineering are two critical processes for the success of any product or project development endeavor.
Programs are mechanisms for implementing the core strategy of an organization to maximize the value and benefits for the business, clients, stakeholders, and society. They are executed through a temporary organization within the enterprise and consist of multiple related projects organized and executed in such a way as to maximize resource utilization and gains [1]
Successfully completing and delivering results through programs depend on a combination of factors. A diverse set of performance metrics ensures that multiple aspects of program performance are being covered properly - technical performance, cost and schedule management, and business management.
One of the chapters in this book covers the systematic process of program performance management needed to plan, execute, and assess progress to plan as well as the expected outcomes and expected business benefits of the program
This book is a must-read for anyone working on non-trivial projects. The book contains a section on the study of agile development and systems engineering with a case study from Nationwide Insurance
What is a Systems Engineering?, from INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Lifecycle Processes and Activities, 4th Edition, Edited by D.D. Walden (a colleague), G. J. Roedler, K. J. Forsberg, R. Douglas Hamelin, and Thomas M. Shortell, John Wiley & Sone, 2015.
- System - A combination of interacting elements organized to achieve one or more stated purposes.
- Systems Engineering - An interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem.
System Engineering integrates all the disciplines and specialty groups into a team effort forming a structured development process that proceeds from concept to production to operation. SE considers both the business and technical needs of all customers with the goal of providing a quality product that meets user needs.
What is Project Management?, from A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 5th Edition 2013
- Project: A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result
- Project Management: The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements
- Program: A group of related projects and activities managed in a coordinated way • Program Management: The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a program to meet program requirements and to obtain benefits not available by managing projects individually
[1] "Program Management for Large Scale Engineering Programs," J. Oehmen, E. Rebentisch, and K. Kinscher, a white paper in the "Lean Product Development for Practitioners" series at MIT, 2011.
