FPM 331: Progressive Concepts in Program Management Course

Module 1: Systems Thinking

• Adopt a holistic systems perspective to understand complex program environments.
• Differentiate tactical, strategic, and systemic thinking in decision-making.
• Identify underlying patterns and structures that influence project outcomes.

Module 2: Evaluating the Federal Acquisition Environment for Systems Development

• Navigate federal acquisition laws, regulations, and policies impacting system development.
• Translate strategic goals into executable program requirements within government constraints.
• Integrate requirements development, testing, and evaluation across the system lifecycle.

Module 3: Decision Support Systems Requirements

• Utilize decision support processes and tools to inform program management decisions.
• Establish clear decision criteria and performance metrics aligned with program goals.
• Analyze data and requirements to support evidence-based decision-making in programs.

Module 4: Projects, Programs, and the Project Management Office (PMO)

• Distinguish between project-level and program-level management responsibilities.
• Evaluate the roles and benefits of a Program/Project Management Office in governance.
• Align projects with organizational strategy through standardized PMO practices.

Module 5: Systems Engineering

• Apply systems engineering principles to integrate IT and non-IT system development.
• Balance requirements, design, and risk to achieve a coherent and feasible system design.
• Ensure requirements traceability and technical oversight throughout the development lifecycle.

Module 6: Acquisition Logistics

• Plan for lifecycle logistics and product support early in the acquisition process.
• Implement sustainment strategies to maintain system readiness and supportability.
• Evaluate when and how to incorporate supply chain management and maintenance planning in programs.

Module 7: Using the Integrated Master Plan (IMP) and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)

• Develop an Integrated Master Plan and Schedule to guide program execution and oversight.
• Define program milestones, events, and dependencies for comprehensive scheduling.
• Use IMP/IMS as tools to monitor progress, identify critical path, and adjust for variances.

Module 8: Systems Challenges

• Identify common challenges in complex systems development (technical, financial, and organizational).
• Analyze risk factors and external constraints that can impact program success.
• Formulate mitigation strategies to address issues such as evolving requirements and technological changes.

Module 9: Putting It All Together

• Integrate systems thinking, engineering, logistics, and management concepts in a capstone scenario.
• Apply all learned concepts to evaluate a program from inception through sustainment.
• Synthesize lessons learned to make informed decisions across the Total Life Cycle of a system.