Programme Management for Owner Teams: a practical guide to what you need to know

The intent of this book is to summarise what programme management entails. It provides a practical overview and understanding of what programme management is compared to managing a single project or a portfolio of projects. This is done from an owner team perspective.The book provides guidelines, case study examples, as well as the tools required in all the relevant areas of project and programme management. Programmes are covered from initial inception through to final completion, focusing not only on achieving project objectives, but also on the overall business objectives of the programme. The focus and level of detail required from an owner programme management team are covered. The book covers programme initiation and shaping, business ethics, obtaining alignment amongst stakeholders, planning, organising and control aspects, communication and nurturing of the team throughout the lifecycle of the programme.For whom is the book intended?This is not a book on project management. The premise is that readers are familiar with the terminology and practice of project management and are seeking to advance their understanding of programme management. An important factor is that the book is written from the viewpoint of the owner organisation and not from the viewpoint of engineering and project management contractors. The owner organisation is that entity for whom the project or programme is being implemented and who will own, operate and manage it in future. Hence the title: Programme management for owner teams – A practical guide to what you need to know.What background knowledge is needed?Readers should have a sound understanding of project management and should ideally be in a position where they manage, or are responsible for, multiple projects in an owner organisation. It is not essential to have background knowledge of engineering or strategic business management, although such knowledge will be beneficial.Companion websitesOur websites are sources of articles, templates and procedures that can be accessed to simplify the task of programme management. The first is our company website which is open to all and is available at www.ownerteamconsult.com. Apart from the normal company and marketing information, this site is used as the vehicle of our monthly Insight Articles, covering a range of project, programme and business related topics.The second website is available at www.otctoolkits.com and is the repository of our project and programme management templates, procedures and training modules. Selected content is available to all registered owners of this book. We intend to continually add to the content on the websites and update the contents when appropriate.Layout of the bookThe book comprises 15 chapters, divided into three parts. Part 1 sets the scene and contains three chapters. Chapter 1 is an overview of essential concepts regarding project and programme management to ensure that a common and consistent terminology is established. Chapter 2 describes the owner organisation and what is required from the owner during a programme. A model for programme management is presented in Chapter 3. A case study is also introduced in Chapter 3, which is used and built on throughout the book.Part 2 focusses on the six sequential programme steps as defined in the programme management model. Each of the steps has a chapter devoted to it and the application of the steps is illustrated using the case study from Chapter 3. The principle is to have a good split between theory and practical examples to ensure that the concepts presented are well understood and entrenched. Part 3 deals with what we refer to as ‘programme lifecycle essentials’ or matters that require attention throughout the lifecycle of the programme. This includes aspects such as leadership, nurturing, stakeholder engagement, communications, alignment and programme governance.

The authors have been involved in the petrochemical industry for an extensive period of time, mainly in developing and implementing projects in various parts of the world. Collective experience also includes business management, operations management, engineering management and social dynamics. They have been involved as project team members of the owner organisation in small, large and megaprojects, project portfolios and project programmes. Frederick Jacobus van Heerden has been involved in the petrochemical industry since graduating as a chemical engineer in 1976 and is a seasoned project professional on megaprojects and programmes. He has worked on projects ranging from wholly-owned projects, to joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. In recent years, he filled positions as senior technical director on projects in an owner team capacity, as well as in business development, general management and engineering management. Jurie Wynand Steyn holds degrees in chemical engineering and an MBA. He has extensive experience as gleaned from a working career of over 35 years covering process development, plant process engineering, project management, operations management and environmental, health and safety engineering and management. He has been involved internationally in environmental remediation activities and environmental due diligence evaluations. He was directly involved in environmental, health and safety management during the construction phase of projects, land risk management and remediation of land contaminated by chemical spills and emissions. Jurie has a healthy interest in business ethics and believes that an ethical business is a sustainable business. Davida van der Walt, a registered industrial psychologist, is a project professional who brings a non-technical view to projects. She has vast experience in facilitating alignment processes on projects such as business and technology strategy facilitation, framing and alignment processes, roles and responsibilities workshops, communication strategies, problem solving and lessons learnt. Her exposure on projects covers social responsibility projects, enterprise development projects, megaprojects and programmes. Her understanding of people dynamics in dealing with project stakeholders adds significant value in ensuring smooth project planning and execution. Specific areas of expertise include project and programme team wellness, team alignment and stakeholder communication.