Introduction

This program is designed by Global Horizon Training Center to equip participants with the critical knowledge and practical skills needed to establish and implement robust project governance structures and effectively utilize Stage Gate processes. It covers the principles, models, and best practices in project governance and stage gate management to ensure project alignment with organizational objectives, effective decision-making, and optimized project outcomes.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and components of effective project governance.

• Design and implement governance frameworks tailored to organizational and project needs.

• Comprehend the Stage Gate process and its role in project lifecycle management.

• Apply stage gate reviews to manage project risks and ensure strategic alignment.

• Identify and address common challenges in project governance and gate reviews.

Organizational Impact

• Establish robust project governance frameworks.

• Reduce project risk and enhance project control.

• Improve decision-making and project prioritization.

• Promote cross-functional collaboration and accountability.

• Align project delivery with strategic objectives.

Target Audience

• Project Managers and Program Managers

• Project Sponsors and Steering Committee Members

• PMO Managers and Officers

• Business Analysts and Planners

• Professionals involved in project decision-making and approvals

Training Program Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Project Governance

• Introduction to project governance: definitions and principles.

• The relationship between project governance and organizational governance.

• Key governance roles and responsibilities (e.g., project sponsor, steering committee).

• Governance structures: selecting the right model for the organization.

• Governance policies and procedures: building a solid foundation.

Day 2: Components of Effective Project Governance Frameworks

• Decision rights and escalation paths.

• Stakeholder engagement and management in governance.

• Governance documentation: charters, frameworks, and governance plans.

• Tools and techniques to support governance (dashboards, RACI, etc.).

• Case studies on governance frameworks in different sectors.

Day 3: Introduction to Stage Gate Management

• Overview of the Stage Gate (Phase-Gate) process.

• Benefits of using stage gates in project management.

• Key stages and gates in typical project lifecycles.

• Aligning stage gates with organizational maturity and culture.

• Common pitfalls in stage gate implementation.

Day 4: Conducting Effective Stage Gate Reviews

• Criteria and checklists for stage gate reviews.

• Stakeholder roles and expectations during reviews.

• Tools and templates for conducting gate reviews.

• Decision-making at gates: go/kill/hold/recycle.

• Simulated gate review: group exercise.

Day 5: Integrating Governance and Stage Gate Management

• Linking project governance to stage gate processes.

• Managing risks, issues, and change through governance and gates.

• Measuring performance and ensuring accountability.

• Tailoring governance and stage gates to different project types.

• Action planning: developing a governance and gate management improvement plan.