INNOVATIONS AND INSIGHTS
LEAVING A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
RESPECTED LEADER IN THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSION, IAN SHARPE EXAMINES FOUR KEY WAYS THAT ASTUTE PROGRAM MANAGERS CAN WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO ADD VALUE FOR THE FUTURE. HOW WILL YOUR PROGRAM CONSIDER THE LEGACY?
The classic view of projects versus programs is that projects deliver outputs and programs deliver outcomes. The challenge is defining what a meaningful outcome is and the value or benefit derived from delivering it. With an increasing focus on sustainability and climate change in the world, and most governments now mandating eco-friendly approaches, programs need to be constructed in a way that doesn’t just deliver outcomes, they leave a legacy for future generations. Understanding the social value that programs can generate in communities and how the program 12
connects to the United Nations Sustainable Development goals (UN SDGs) – during and afterwards – are now critical to get the best value from a program. Here are four key ways astute program managers can work with stakeholders to add value for the future. 1. STARTING WITH THE FUTURE (AND NOT JUST THE END) IN MIND Managing Successful Programmes® from the UK Cabinet Office defines outcomes and benefits as follows: • A n outcome is ‘the result of change, normally affecting real world behaviour and/or circumstances’. • A benefit is ‘the measurable improvement resulting from an outcome…’.
