Program Benefits Management

Which of the following best describes the role of the program manager in benefits management?

• Create benefits, transition, and sustain the benefits for the organization

• Identify benefits, plan for benefits delivery, ensure benefits are realized and transitioned

• Create the benefits, measure the benefits and sustain the benefits

• Create the benefits register, benefits management plan, and the benefits transition plan

Answer explanation

The program manager does not himself or herself create the benefits. The program manager identifies benefits, plans for them, and ensures that the Program takes steps to realize, monitor, and transition the benefits. See section 4 of the standard for program management, 4th edition.

During which sub-phase of the program lifecycle would you map benefits to the program management plan?

• Program Formulation

• Program Definition

• Program Planning

• Program Delivery

Answer explanation

Refer to Diagram 4-1 on Page # 46, SPM V.4 for the answer to this question

A program manager is concerned about losing key team members to turnover. What is the best initial step to mitigate this risk?

• Offer immediate salary increases to all team members

• Ignore the turnover risk and focus on program tasks

• Develop a retention plan that includes professional development opportunities

• Replace team members as they leave without further action

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: C. Develop a retention plan that includes professional development opportunities

Explanation: A retention plan with professional development can help keep key team members engaged and reduce turnover.

Page Reference: See SPM 5, page 23, for details on team retention and development strategies

In which document, you would define the metrics (including key performance indicators) and procedures to measure benefits?

• Benefits Register

• Benefits Management Plan

• Roadmap

• Transition Plan

Answer explanation

Detail procedure to measure benefits will be documented in Plan. Refer SPM V.4, Page # 50. Third bullet point from the top. Remember, whenever you find the keyword in question, such as how to, process, procedure, Etc. You should select Plan (e.g., any subsidiary plan such as Benefits Management Plan, Stakeholders engagement plan, Etc.), not document such as Benefits Register, Stakeholders Registers, Etc. Because these document does not contain detail steps, processes, procedure, how to part of the Program.

There are 10 component projects within a program. The program manager defines 3 priority projects which need to be initiated on a near-term basis. It occurs during which stage?

• Benefits identification

• Benefits analysis & planning

• Benefits analysis

• Benefits planning

Answer explanation

Defining and prioritizing program components and their interdependencies-related activities is performed during Benefits Analysis and Planning phase.

The program manager must ensure effective collaboration across different functional units in a highly complex program. What is the best approach to achieve this?

• Create cross-functional teams with representatives from each unit

• Implement a rigid hierarchy to streamline decision-making

• Limit interactions to formal meetings only

• Focus on individual performance rather than team efforts

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: A. Create cross-functional teams with representatives from each unit.

Explanation: Cross-functional teams bring together diverse skills and perspectives, enhancing collaboration and problem-solving.

Page Reference: Refer to SPM 5, page 131, for information on creating cross-functional teams.

The benefits management plan should contain all the below details except?

• Provide a process for managing the overall benefits management effort

• Define how will transition the resulting benefits and capabilities into an operational state to achieve benefits

• Link components output to the planned program outcomes

• Evaluation of Program and Program component performance against applicable acceptance criteria, including key performance indicators

Answer explanation

Refer to SPM Version 4.0, Page # 50, following seven bullet points: the content of Benefits Management Plan. 1. Define each benefit and associated assumptions and determine how each benefit will be achieved; 2. Link components output to the planned program outcomes; 3. Define the metrics (including key performance indicators) and procedures to measure benefits; 4. Define roles and responsibilities required to manage the benefits; 5. Define how the resulting benefits and capabilities will be transitioned into an operational state to achieve benefits; 6. Define how the resulting capabilities will be transitioned to the individuals, groups, or organizations responsible for sustaining the benefits; and 7. Provide a process for managing the overall benefits management effort. Option A is point # 7; Option B is point # 5, and option C is point # 2. The only option which is not part of this content of the benefits management plan is Option D. Option D is part of the transition plan, and please refer content of the transition plan at SPM version 4.0 on Page # 54, first bullet point.

During a large program involving multiple international teams, the program manager notices communication barriers that hinder collaboration. What is the best initial step to enhance collaboration among the teams?

• Implement a single communication platform for all teams

• Conduct a team-building workshop in one central location

• Assign a local liaison for each international team

• Mandate daily status update meetings for all teams

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: A. Implement a single communication platform for all teams.

Explanation: A single communication platform can help streamline communication and reduce barriers among international teams, enhancing collaboration.

Page Reference: Refer to SPM 5, page 135, for information on collaboration tools and techniques.

One of your colleagues is recently appointed as a Program Manager. The Program sponsor requested you to give him the necessary guidance related to Program Management because of your strong background in Program Management. Your colleague mentioned that he would like to focus initially on Benefits Management and plan to start work on the Sustainment plan that identifies the New processes, measures, metrics, and tools necessary for the Management of benefits. What is the advice to your colleague?

• Your colleague is already ON Track and advises him to continue with his Plan

• Advise your colleague to start with Benefits Management Plan and then come to Sustainment Plan later

• Advise your colleague to start with Benefits Management Plan and then come to Transition Plan and the followed by Sustainment Plan later

• Advise your colleague to start with Benefits Realization report and then come to Sustainment Plan later

Answer explanation

Option C is correct. "Program Benefits Management" first Benefits Management Plan will be prepared then followed by Transition Plan and finally Sustainment Plan.

You have been assigned as a program manager for a critical program. It is important to identify all the benefits so that the program approval process is a smooth journey. A best practice is to prepare a benefits register using the?

• Program's key performance indicators

• Target dates in the Roadmap for benefit achievement

• Business case

• Identified and qualified benefits

Answer explanation

The benefits register is developed based on the business case, strategic Plan, and other relevant program objectives.