The government needs a more systematic approach to improving program management and should make it a top priority, according to a white paper from the National Academy of Public Administration,
“There is no guarantee of success in large-scale, complex change initiatives. However if program management is undertaken by well-trained, experienced professionals within a supportive infrastructure, based upon proven standards and practices, we believe that success will be more consistently achieved,” it said.
It said the main challenges include: laws and policies have been developed over time to address specific problems and do not holistically address the challenges of program management; program management is not consistently recognized as a management discipline that is essential to government performance, success, and results; agency executives and stakeholders do not clearly understand their roles and responsibilities; lack of consistency across the government in the training and development of program managers; and program managers lack a professional community within the federal government that can provide support and a voice on issues affecting the development of program management.
It said that enacting a pending bill, the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act (HR-2144), would be a good start.
That proposal includes creating a formal job series and career path for program managers; developing a standards-based model applied consistently across agencies; designating a senior executive in each agency responsible for program management policy and strategy; and establishing an interagency council on program management to align agency approaches. Those types of action need to be taken regardless of whether the bill itself is enacted, it said.
