Portfolio and Program Management for Infrastructure Agencies Training Course

Portfolio and Program Management for Infrastructure Agencies Training Course

Introduction 

Infrastructure agencies, whether governmental or quasi-governmental, are increasingly tasked with overseeing vast and complex portfolios of projects and programs—ranging from national transportation networks to large-scale urban development initiatives. The sheer volume, intricate interdependencies, and profound strategic significance of these investments necessitate a shift beyond traditional individual project management. Without a holistic approach, agencies frequently face challenges such as resource fragmentation, conflicting priorities, misalignment with critical national objectives, and suboptimal investment outcomes. Therefore, robust Portfolio and Program Management are indispensable disciplines, enabling infrastructure agencies to strategically select, prioritize, efficiently manage, and meticulously monitor a cohesive set of projects and programs to effectively achieve organizational goals and fulfill national development mandates.

Portfolio and Program Management for Infrastructure Agencies Training Course is meticulously designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding and practical application of advanced methodologies for portfolio and program management specifically tailored for infrastructure agencies. The curriculum will encompass mastering techniques for strategic alignment and objective setting, developing effective governance structures, conducting comprehensive portfolio and program risk aggregation and optimization, and implementing sophisticated resource management and performance monitoring systems. The course will delve into detailed case studies from leading infrastructure agencies globally, exploring best practices in capital planning, benefits realization management, proactive stakeholder coordination across multiple initiatives, and adeptly managing complex interdependencies within a program. Through a balanced blend of essential theoretical foundations, practical exercises in portfolio analysis, scenario-based program structuring, and insightful discussions on overcoming real-world implementation challenges, participants will be thoroughly equipped to transform their agencies into highly efficient, strategically focused, and ultimately outcome-driven infrastructure delivery organizations.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the fundamental concepts and distinctions between project, program, and portfolio management in an infrastructure context.
2. Comprehend the strategic importance of portfolio and program management for infrastructure agencies.
3. Master techniques for aligning infrastructure portfolios and programs with national strategic objectives and development goals.
4. Develop expertise in designing robust governance frameworks for effective portfolio and program oversight.
5. Formulate strategies for comprehensive portfolio and program risk aggregation, analysis, and optimization.
6. Understand the critical role of resource management, capacity planning, and financial oversight at the program and portfolio levels.
7. Implement effective processes for benefits realization management and value delivery from infrastructure investments.
8. Explore key strategies for managing complex interdependencies and stakeholders across multiple infrastructure projects.
9. Apply methodologies for performance measurement, monitoring, and reporting for infrastructure portfolios and programs.
10. Understand the importance of organizational change management and fostering a portfolio/program-centric culture.
11. Develop preliminary skills in utilizing specialized portfolio and program management software and dashboards.
12. Design a conceptual portfolio management framework or program structure for an infrastructure agency.
13. Examine global best practices, emerging trends, and challenges in portfolio and program management for infrastructure agencies.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for professionals involved in strategic oversight and management of infrastructure investments:

1. Senior Executives: In government infrastructure ministries and agencies.
2. Directors & Heads of Departments: Overseeing multiple infrastructure projects or programs.
3. Program Managers: Managing complex infrastructure programs.
4. Portfolio Managers: Responsible for strategic infrastructure investment portfolios.
5. Strategic Planners: Developing long-term infrastructure development plans.
6. Project Management Office (PMO) Leads: Implementing PMO functions in infrastructure.
7. Financial Controllers: Managing budgets and funding for infrastructure portfolios.
8. Consultants: Advising infrastructure agencies on organizational effectiveness.

Course Duration: 10 Days

Course Modules

• Module 1: Introduction to Portfolio, Program, and Project Management
• Define project, program, and portfolio management and their interrelationships.
• Discuss the distinct objectives and characteristics of each level in an infrastructure context.
• Understand the value proposition of implementing portfolio and program management for agencies.
• Explore the key processes and phases within portfolio and program lifecycles.
• Identify common challenges in managing diverse infrastructure investments without a holistic view.
• Module 2: Strategic Alignment and Objective Setting
• Comprehend the importance of aligning infrastructure portfolios with national and organizational strategies.
• Learn about techniques for translating strategic objectives into actionable programs and projects.
• Master techniques for defining clear portfolio and program goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Discuss the role of executive sponsorship and strategic decision-making in portfolio governance.
• Apply strategic planning concepts to link infrastructure investments to broader development mandates.
• Module 3: Portfolio Governance and Structure
• Develop expertise in designing robust governance frameworks for infrastructure portfolios.
• Learn about establishing portfolio and program management offices (PMOs) and their functions.
• Master techniques for defining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authorities within the governance structure.
• Discuss portfolio reviews, steering committees, and executive reporting mechanisms.
• Apply governance principles to structure an effective portfolio management system for an agency.
• Module 4: Portfolio Risk Management and Optimization
• Formulate strategies for identifying and assessing risks at the portfolio level (aggregated risks).
• Understand techniques for managing inter-project and inter-program risks and dependencies.
• Explore methods for optimizing portfolio value while balancing risk exposure.
• Discuss scenario planning and contingency management for overall portfolio resilience.
• Apply portfolio risk analysis tools to ensure balanced risk-return profiles.
• Module 5: Financial Management and Investment Planning
• Understand the critical role of robust financial management at the portfolio and program levels.
• Implement robust approaches to capital planning, budgeting, and financial forecasting for large investments.
• Explore techniques for optimizing investment decisions across the portfolio.
• Discuss performance-based budgeting and value for money (VfM) assessments for programs.
• Apply financial management best practices to ensure fiscal discipline and return on investment.
• Module 6: Program Structuring and Interdependency Management
• Develop expertise in designing and structuring complex infrastructure programs.
• Learn about identifying and managing critical interdependencies between projects within a program.
• Master techniques for developing integrated program schedules and resource plans.
• Discuss the role of program managers in coordinating diverse project teams.
• Apply program structuring principles to break down a large infrastructure initiative into manageable projects.
• Module 7: Benefits Realization Management (BRM)
• Comprehend the principles of benefits realization management for infrastructure investments.
• Learn about defining, tracking, and measuring tangible and intangible benefits of programs.
• Master techniques for ensuring that projects deliver their intended strategic value.
• Discuss the role of post-implementation reviews and lessons learned in capturing benefits.
• Apply BRM frameworks to ensure that infrastructure programs achieve their desired outcomes.
• Module 8: Resource Management and Capacity Planning
• Formulate strategies for optimizing human, financial, and material resources across the portfolio.
• Understand techniques for strategic capacity planning and resource allocation.
• Explore methods for managing shared resources and resolving resource conflicts.
• Discuss the importance of talent development and knowledge management within infrastructure agencies.
• Apply resource optimization strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Module 9: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
• Understand the critical role of comprehensive stakeholder management at the portfolio/program level.
• Implement robust approaches to engaging diverse stakeholders (government, public, private sector, communities).
• Explore techniques for managing expectations and communicating portfolio/program progress.
• Discuss conflict resolution and consensus-building across multi-project environments.
• Apply stakeholder engagement plans to foster collaboration and support for infrastructure initiatives.
• Module 10: Performance Measurement, Monitoring, and Reporting
• Develop expertise in designing robust performance measurement systems for portfolios and programs.
• Learn about key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for tracking progress and outcomes.
• Master techniques for developing effective dashboards and reporting mechanisms for executive oversight.
• Discuss the use of data analytics for informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Apply performance management frameworks to monitor the health and progress of an infrastructure portfolio.
• Module 11: Organizational Change Management and Culture
• Explore key strategies for leading organizational change to adopt portfolio/program management.
• Learn about fostering a culture of strategic thinking, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Discuss resistance to change and strategies for effective communication and training.
• Understand the importance of leadership commitment and champions in driving transformation.
• Examine case studies of successful organizational transformations in infrastructure agencies.
• Module 12: Digital Tools, Trends, and Future of Portfolio Management
• Examine global best practices and innovative approaches in infrastructure portfolio and program management.
• Develop preliminary skills in utilizing specialized portfolio and program management software (e.g., PPM tools, enterprise PM software).
• Discuss the impact of AI, Big Data, and digital twins on future portfolio optimization.
• Explore emerging trends: agile portfolio management, sustainable portfolio integration, resilience planning.
• Design a strategic roadmap for implementing advanced portfolio and program management capabilities within an infrastructure agency.

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

• Participants must be conversant in English.
• Upon completion of training, participants will receive an Authorized Training Certificate.
• The course duration is flexible and can be modified to fit any number of days.
• Course fee includes facilitation, training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch, and a Certificate upon successful completion.
• One-year post-training support, consultation, and coaching provided after the course.
• Payment should be made at least a week before the training commencement to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice, to enable better preparation.