Program Management for Improved Business Results

Chapter 4. Managing and Delivering the Whole Product

In presenting the business case for program management in Chapter 2, we noted that consumer demand for customized solutions, increased integration of features and functions, and incorporation of the latest technologies are powering ever-increasing product, service, and infrastructure complexity. Many business leaders have come to the realization that their current methods of development are no longer sufficient to manage the higher levels of complexity and have turned to the program management model as the solution.

In this chapter, we describe how the program management discipline is deployed to manage increased complexity of design and process. In doing so, we utilize the concept of the whole product to demonstrate the value of program management in meeting ever-increasing customer expectations. First, we explain the whole product concept and how companies are utilizing it to win in business. Then we define the steps used to develop and deliver the whole product through the program management discipline.

The purpose of this chapter is to fully explore the following concepts of program management:

• The relationship between the whole product concept and program management

• How program management is used to manage complexity driven by customer wants and needs

• The role of program management in the development and delivery of the whole product

These concepts lead to an understanding of the value of program management as a critical business ...