Program Management Competency:

A Competency Model

Boeing
787 Dreamliner
Boeing 787
Very complex aircraft
Accelerated delivery schedule
80% outsourced
43 top tier contractors
Hundreds of subcontractors

Boeing
787 Dreamliner
Boeing 787
Complex, global supply chain
No prior experience with that
many contractors
Technology not cooperating
Cumulative delays

Boeing
787 Dreamliner
Boeing 787
Plane delayed by 3 years
More than $6 billion in lost profits
Millions in contract penalties for late
delivery
Reputation impugned
Quality called into question

Heres what well cover

What is complexity?
The Levin-Ward Competency
Model
Assessing Program
Management Competency
using the Levin-Ward Model
Implementing the ModelA
Five Step Process

What is complexity?

Complexity is natural

and, man-made

When it absolutely, positively has to be

there..at some point!
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The Levin-Ward
Competency Model

Basic Structure
Purpose of the model
Identifying the specific competencies
q 6 Performance Competencies
q 8 Personal Competencies

Model Taxonomy
Competency
Elements

Performance Criteria
Types of Evidence

Validating the model

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Performance Competencies
1. Defining
2. Initiating
3. Planning
4. Executing
5. Monitoring & Controlling
6. Closing

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Performance Competencies - an
example from Planning the Program
ELEMENT 3.2 A BENEFITS REALIZATION PLAN IS PREPARED
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

TYPES OF EVIDENCE

Identifies the programs benefits

Tangible and intangible benefits are

identified

Defines the programs benefits in

measurable outcomes

Documented benefits that are specific,

measurable, attainable, realistic, and
time-based

States roles and responsibilities for

benefits realization and management

Documented roles and responsibilities in

a Responsibility Assignment Matricx
(RAM), or in a RACI chart

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Personal Competencies
1. Leading
2. Building Relationships
3. Negotiating
4. Thinking Critically
5. Facilitating
6. Mentoring
7. Embracing Change
8. Communicating
15

Personal Competencies-an example from

Mentoring?
ELEMENT 7.4 RECOGNIZES AND REWARDS INDIVIDUAL
AND TEAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Celebrates success throughout the
program

TYPES OF EVIDENCE
Example is formal recognition of
accomplishments by specific individuals
or team
Examples are how the team celebrated
achievements
Documented evidence of lessons learned

16

Assessing Program
Management
Competency using
the Levin-Ward
Model

Organizational Assessment

18

Program Manager Assessment

19

Prospective Program Manager

20

Implementing the
Model-A Five Step
Action Plan

Task 1 Define User Requirements

Define the respondent population

Create e-mail distribution lists
Define scope of assessment
Define demographics section

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Task 2 Customize Survey Content

Methodology use
Applying key best practices
Adherence to stated practices
Other areas of interest

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Task 3 Develop Online Survey

Develop the survey
Send link to orgs contacts for review
Refine survey questions

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Task 4 Deploy Survey

Send email survey invitation
Specific time period noted
Include contact name and email for

questions
Send reminder and thank you emails

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Task 5 Data Analysis & Assessment

Analyze data
Write draft report & distribute
Review comments/write final report
Develop presentation of findings
Refine improvement roadmap

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Want to
read more
about it?
www.crcpress.com

27

Thanks for listening!

lets continue the conversation

J. LeRoy Ward, PMP, PgMP

Exec VP-ESI International
lward@esi-intl.com
www.linkedin.com/in/leroyward