Managing complex change programs
Sometimes question arises what else can be managed other than the change? After all, we can only manage what moves, i.e. a process. A guiding the process we make the change, because we cannot control frozen. On the other hand, any changes a company implements can become a source of stress and operational risk. The success of these changes depends on the methods used to implement them and communicate their objectives to employees.
Well-established definition of the program is: a group of related projects managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits and control not available from managing them individually. Programs may include elements of related work outside the scope of the discrete projects in the program. (Project management Institute. (2011)).
Thus, this is a large, complex system projects, priorities, rules and practices that determine the behavior of managers and resources, and require constant coordination in order to achieve maximum efficiency. Managing the process of movement of the subject we manage change in position from one point to another. Such management will consider management of the movement. But managing change is the management change of the controlled subject itself (his habits, status). If the subject moved always earlier along the same trajectory, and we have taught him move along the other i.e. we have made a change.
Thus, approaching a notion, between the concepts of the program (programme or program (USA)) and a portfolio of projects often make a significant difference, implying that all the projects of the program are related to certain strategic goals, while the portfolio can consist of different projects with different objectives. On the one hand, the outcome of the projects is the result (physical goods or services given) but the results of the program are the consequences. From this point of view, the outcome of the project may be a new plant, a hospital or an information system. Combining these projects with other results and changes, their programs can lead to increased revenue from the new product, reduced queues in the hospital or to a reduction in operating costs due to improved technology.
Another vision lies in the fact that the program is only a large project (multiproject or macroproject) or a set (or portfolio) of projects. In line with this vision, where the results have consequences, and projects - the products, the management program interested in implementing relevant projects. The program manager can be compared to a chess player, and projects are used or a sacrificial figure. Project management, on the contrary, is interested in the proper implementation of the projects. And also in line with this vision, successful projects are implemented on time and within budget requirements, while successful programs are designed to bear long-term improvement of the organization. Improvements are usually identified through the benefits they bring. The organization must select a group of programs that are most closely aligned with its strategic objectives, while at the same time remaining within its capacity.
Managing Change operates with such concepts as leadership, efficiency communication and acceptance of the need for changes to the development of accurate transition strategies in order to overcome the inevitable resistance to change. Effective change management plan should consider all these aspects of change. This can be achieved in that case if there is confidence. If initiators and executors are sure that the changes are really necessary. Company need to analyze with what resistance you may encounter when implementing specific changes. To do this, you need to talk to people to find out their attitude to the planned change, you need to carefully consider the objections as they may be reasonable, and therefore - useful. Try to minimize the resistance, with particular attention to employees who resistant to change. Discussion with them the situation if cannot resolve, then completely weaken resistance. I think another important part in the management program is the ability to motivate people, the creation of effectively operating team. This skill is of particular importance because of the high requirements for the results.
Also, it is very necessary that the person that is in charge of program has enough knowledge and experience to for successfully implemented program. However, if the leadership made this mistake, it will more riskless to leave unjustified manager in his position because now he's got some experience and practice. In contrast, if the company will replace this manager on the other, the probability that the situation will not happen again, still high.
An equally important part implementation of the project is sufficient involvement of the stakeholder. Project is needed to know step by step their commitment and agreement. If this condition will not take into account, this may result in deterioration and weakening of relations.