Programme and Project Sponsorship (PPS) — 2-Day Course

 Open Public Course Closed In-House Course

Synopsis

The Programme and Project Sponsorship (PPS) training course provides a structured insight into this important senior management role. It combines leadership ability with project and programme management skills and includes a case study, discussion, practice examination and guidance on preparing for the APM Group PPS Qualification.

The PPS Qualification provides recognised professional certification for managers who are, or will become, accountable for the successful delivery of policy or strategy through programmes or projects. The syllabus has been split into separate units in the form of four training modules over two days. Together, the modules provide a comprehensive understanding of the Sponsor’s role and responsibilities within a programme or project environment.

Course Objectives

After completing this course the student will be able to:

• Understand the role of the Sponsor, develop a vision and strategy for the programme/project and make effective use of key tools and techniques for a successful outcome
• Use effective leadership, influencing and communication skills to engage with stakeholders, handle reactions to change, and create appropriate delivery teams
• Identify, define and articulate the purpose of the initiative, providing appropriate direction and interventions during initiation, and establish an environment that will maximise the chances of success
• Deal appropriately with issues requiring Sponsor-level attention during the delivery phase(s) of the programme/project and achieve its effective closure
• Test their level of understanding of the concepts covered, by completing practice examination questions in preparation for the PPS Objective
• Test Examination (OTE)

Intended Audience

The PPS course has been developed specifically for existing or aspiring Programme or Project Sponsors, also known as Senior Responsible Owners or Project Executives.

Prerequisites

No formal programme or project qualifications are required, although it is assumed that delegates will be familiar with a programme or project management environment.

Examination

PPS Qualification – Objective test Examination; closed book, 90 minutes. Exam fee is included in the course price.

Publicly scheduled dates, locations, and prices

Outline Course Contents

Module 1: The Role of the Sponsor

• Describe the Sponsor role and how it differs for programmes and projects
• Establish a vision and strategy
• Focus on the key processes and documentation
• Identify and avoid potential failure

Module 2: The Sponsor Working with People

• Ensure effective stakeholder engagement
• Anticipate reactions to change and offer an appropriate response
• Plan appropriate communications
• Identify and secure the necessary expertise to deliver the programme/project
• Build a learning culture so that the skills of programme/project staff improve
• Provide visionary leadership to champion the programme/project
• Influence senior stakeholders whose support is needed to secure the objectives

Module 3: Identifying and Establishing a Programme or Project

• Establish a sound basis for programme/project initiation: the business requirement
• Accurately judge the level and type of challenge presented by an initiative as set out in the ‘blueprint’
• Ensure that appropriate strategies and plans are in place and fit for purpose
• Ensure that the frameworks for the identification and management of risks and issues are fit for purpose
• Provide appropriate direction to the delivery team
• Make appropriate interventions

Module 4: The Delivery Journey

• Understand the Sponsor’s role, responsibilities and accountabilities during the delivery and closure of the programme/project
• Establish what issues to engage with during delivery, and understand how best to do so
• Deal with change requests
• Plan for transition to ‘business-as-usual’
• Monitor progress and commission appropriate reviews
• Effect closure of the programme/project at the right time
• Effectively embed programme outputs and project outputs, products or deliverables into ‘business-as-usual’

PPS Qualification: Examination techniques and Objective Test Examination

• Understand the PPS Objective Test Examination (OTE) requirements and format
• Apply their learning to practice examination questions in preparation for the OTE