Programme Complexity Assessment Guide
A programme is not a collection of projects; it is a system for delivering coordinated strategic outcomes and shared business benefits.
Purpose
To determine whether an initiative should be managed as a programme and to scale governance and documentation requirements appropriately.
Step 1: Programme Qualification Check
An initiative qualifies as a programme if it meets all three criteria:
1. Multiple Projects — At least two related projects. 2. Shared Strategic Objective — All projects contribute to a single set of outcomes/benefits. 3. Benefit Aggregation Required — Benefits need to be tracked and realised collectively.
If criteria not met → manage as separate projects under portfolio governance.
Step 2: Programme Complexity Rating
Score each factor 0–2 points (0=Low, 1=Medium, 2=High):
| Factor | 0 (Low) | 1 (Medium) | 2 (High) | |——–|———|———–|———-| | Number of Projects | 2–3 | 4–6 | 7+ | | Budget Scale | < €1M | €1M–€5M | > €5M | | Strategic Impact | Minor improvement | Single business unit transformation | Multi-business or enterprise transformation | | Geographic Spread | Single country | Multiple countries (same region) | Multi-region / global | | Dependency Complexity | Few, low-impact | Multiple within programme | Complex cross-portfolio | | Benefit Scale | < €0.5M or minor | €0.5M–€5M or moderate | > €5M or major shift | | Stakeholder Scope | Single function | Multiple functions | Cross-enterprise and external |
Step 3: Complexity Score Interpretation
- 0–6 points: Light Programme Governance — Fewer formal reviews, simplified dashboard and reporting.
- 7–12 points: Moderate Programme Governance — Full governance with some streamlined artefacts.
- 13–14 points: Full Programme Governance — All governance elements, artefacts, and reporting in full detail.
Step 4: Documentation
Document the decision and rationale in the Programme Mandate. Retain a record of all Programme Complexity Assessments for reference.