Overview

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Practical experience speaks volumes in a job interview. This Program Manager Capstone course gives you valuable hands-on experience that confirms to employers that you’ve got what it takes! In this course, you’ll apply your program management skills acquired through previous courses in the IBM Program Manager PC. You will assume the roles of both a program manager and a program portfolio manager to create essential program management deliverables. You’ll develop a program charter, stakeholder register, and program roadmap. You’ll create a work breakdown structure (WBS), resource management plan, communications management plan, risk register, and benefits register. You’ll also produce a program status report and program closure report, demonstrating your ability to manage complex program life cycles. You’ll also complete practice and graded quizzes that simulate the Project Management Institute (PMI) Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification exam questions. Plus, you’ll receive guidance on building a personal portfolio and get resume tips and advice on launching your program management career. If you’re looking to kickstart your career as a program manager, ENROLL TODAY and get ready to power up your resume with practical experience that stands out!

Syllabus

Program Formulation

In this module, you’ll learn about the program lifecycle, covering how to initiate, plan, execute, and close programs. You’ll examine a real-world scenario to understand managing multiple projects and how to organize program portfolios to align with strategic goals. The module also covers key elements of a program charter and the process of creating a stakeholder register for managing stakeholder relationships. Finally, you’ll apply your knowledge by developing a program portfolio, charter, and stakeholder register, reinforcing skills in aligning program activities with business objectives and stakeholder engagement.

The Program Triangle: Scope, Schedules, and Costs

In this module, you’ll focus on program scope, scheduling, and resource management. You’ll review a scenario update to understand program scope and scheduling challenges. Next, you’ll learn how to plan program scope and schedules, followed by a scenario update on cost analysis to enhance your ability to manage program budgets effectively. You’ll then explore resource and budget planning techniques and, finally, apply your skills by planning program scope, schedules, resources, and budgets.

Program Planning: Communications, Risk Management, and Benefits Planning

In this module, you’ll learn about communication management, covering how to organize and streamline communication activities to ensure effective coordination within a program. You’ll examine a real-world scenario to understand how to manage program risks and develop mitigation strategies to address potential challenges. The module also covers benefits management and the process of creating a risk register for tracking and managing risks throughout the program's lifecycle. Finally, you’ll apply your knowledge by developing a comprehensive communication plan, risk management plan, a benefits management plan, and a benefits register.

Program Delivery and Closure

In this module, you’ll focus on program reporting and stakeholder management. You’ll begin by reviewing the structure of program status and closure reports to understand how to capture key program details. Next, you’ll explore how to compare planned objectives with actual accomplishments, followed by techniques for tracking program health, risks, and stakeholder support. You’ll then learn about documenting lessons learned and managing open risks. Finally, you’ll apply your skills by creating reports that ensure transparency, stakeholder engagement, and program continuity.

Final Submission and Evaluation

In this module, you’ll start by completing a project to demonstrate proficiency in an integrated process improvement program (IPIP), with a reading to guide you through submission rubrics and grading criteria. building a personal portfolio that highlights your skills, achievements, and career history. In the bonus section, you can explore resume development techniques to align your resume with job descriptions and attract recruiters’ attention. Additionally, you can create both a portfolio and resume to enhance your credibility and job search.