Chapter 2: Phase-by-Phase Methodology

Leadership · No. 2
Originally written 2025 | Re-edited and re-rendered for the WhereBeyond Edition, 2025

A programme is not a collection of projects; it is a system for delivering coordinated strategic outcomes and shared business benefits.

P0 — Mandate Phase

Objectives

• Confirm whether the initiative requires programme-level governance.
• Identify strategic drivers and initial intended benefits.
• Outline related projects and potential sequencing.
• Create early view of interdependencies and risks.

Key Activities

• Conduct initial programme eligibility check (threshold: ≥2 related projects + shared strategic objective + benefit aggregation).
• Draft high-level Programme Mandate.
• Identify potential Programme Sponsor and initial stakeholders.
• Begin initial benefits mapping.

Deliverables

• Programme Mandate (draft).
• Initial Benefits List.
• Initial Programme Risk & Dependency Log.

P1 — Initiation Phase

Objectives

• Define the programme’s vision, scope, outcomes, governance, and initial roadmap.
• Secure Programme Board approval to proceed.

Key Activities

• Develop and approve the Programme Charter.
• Define governance structure and Programme Board composition.
• Confirm high-level sequencing of projects within the programme.
• Assign Benefits Owners and Programme Manager.

Deliverables

• Approved Programme Charter.
• Governance & Roles Register.
• High-Level Programme Roadmap.
• Draft Programme Benefits Register.

P2 — Planning Phase

Objectives

• Finalise detailed programme-level plans.
• Align all project schedules into an integrated programme plan.
• Baseline benefits, risks, and dependencies.

Key Activities

• Develop Benefits Realisation Plan (with owners and measurement approach).
• Build detailed Programme Interdependency Map.
• Create consolidated Programme Risk & Issue Register.
• Finalise integrated programme schedule.

Deliverables

• Benefits Realisation Plan (baselined).
• Programme Interdependency Map.
• Programme Risk & Issue Log.
• Aggregated Programme Schedule.

P3 — Execution Review Phase

Objectives

• Monitor and steer programme delivery against benefits plan.
• Proactively manage sequencing, risks, and interdependencies.
• Maintain strategic alignment.

Key Activities

• Conduct mid-programme health check.
• Update benefits tracking and forecasts.
• Adjust sequencing and reallocate resources where necessary.
• Resolve cross-project issues and escalate as needed.

Deliverables

• Programme Health Report.
• Updated Benefits Forecast.
• Updated Interdependency Map.

P4 — Build & Test Phase

Objectives

• Coordinate final delivery phases of projects to ensure smooth sequencing and readiness for benefits realisation.
• Validate partial benefits delivered to date.

Key Activities

• Aggregate and review project delivery reports.
• Track benefits realisation progress.
• Monitor dependency closure and risk mitigation.

Deliverables

• Programme Dashboard (delivery, benefits, risk, change readiness).
• Benefits Progress Report.
• Updated Programme Risk & Issue Log.

P5 — Go Live & Closure Phase

Objectives

• Validate and confirm all programme benefits.
• Close governance structures and hand over to operational teams.
• Capture lessons learned at the programme level.

Key Activities

• Conduct final benefits realisation review.
• Document programme-level lessons learned.
• Formalise handover to benefits owners and operational teams.

Deliverables

• Final Benefits Realisation Report.
• Programme Closure Report.
• Programme-Level Lessons Learned.