Poland, the IT hub of Europe?
Poland has become a European talent hub in technology and engineering, and European companies leverage polish talent coding skills for nearshoring projects. Learn why.
Category: Expertise strategy
Programme governance forms the backbone of efficient program management within an organization. In this article, we share some tips to navigate the intricate landscape of orchestrating interconnected projects and activities within a strategic framework.
By Howard Bell, Head of Banking, Trading and Risk Solutions at emagine
Programme governance refers to the framework and processes put in place to ensure effective management of a particular programme within an organisation. A programme typically consists of a set of related projects and activities aimed at achieving a particular strategic objective.
The specific elements of programme governance may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the programme in question, as well as the organisational context. However, the overarching goal is to provide a structured and transparent approach, to enable effective decision-making, accountability, and successful programme delivery.
One of my key tips is to identify five areas of focus from beginning to end to enhance the chance of overall success and sustain team motivation. These could be around programme planning with clear outcomes; enlisting the most appropriate key players; steering committee management; risk management; and transparency of progress. This approach has been adopted by emagine consultants to improve the success of projects.
When a programme begins, the first steps include assigning a strong sponsor – this is generally an individual at senior management level. It’s imperative to choose a suitable sponsor who will remain engaged and active throughout the project to ensure it runs smoothly.
The sponsor helps to define the overall objectives of the programme and brings in key stakeholders. Once these details have been outlined, more precise outcomes can be established including how they will be measured, which could be, for example, growing the workforce by 15% or increasing revenue by 30%. Important to have regular updates to the sponsor throughout the duration of the programme, and to call on their assistance when needed.
During these planning stages, details such as costs and timeframes should be finalised to give the programme, and individual projects within it, constraints. It is always a good idea to give several options when this element is being considered for stakeholders to choose from. For example, if the timeframe is tight, the cost may be higher, but this can be decided with the project team against budgets and internal factors.
At this stage, a steering committee should be set up to act as an advisory group to assess and guide the direction of the programme. It is critical for all steering group members to remain accountable throughout the process and regular meetings are advisable to keep all stakeholders up-to-date with milestones.
It is important that a suitable chair is selected to run the meetings and they are an opportunity to formally discuss the programme status, any risks and issues and what is coming up next, including any decisions that need to be made.
The steering committee decks should be concise and clear and should be circulated well in advance of the meeting. You should ensure that members of the steering committee are fully accountable for their areas. Over delegation, or regular delegation by steering committee members should be avoided at all costs.
Honesty and transparency are important values to practice at all times throughout a programme. Bad news is manageable so long as it is delivered at the earliest convenience and a steering committee should always expect to deal with some bumps in the road. Postponing or ignoring bad news will likely lead to escalated problems down the line.
Free E-book: Effective Steering CommitteesRisks and issues often materialise throughout the journey of any programme and its moving parts. Having effective risk management in place is crucial, especially for programmes running in the financial services space, where regulations are everchanging. Clarifying potential risks, issues and key dependencies must be a priority from the start and to mitigate pitfalls, there should be a member of the team dedicated to continually review this area.
An element of risk will always loom over a programme but it is important to continue moving forward whilst being prepared and a step ahead if a problem does arise, with the relevant expertise within the team to move past it and on towards successful programme delivery.
Ask us how we can help you succeed.
Contact usPoland has become a European talent hub in technology and engineering, and European companies leverage polish talent coding skills for nearshoring projects. Learn why.
Hiring external consultants isn’t something you should treat lightly. Learn the most satisfactory way to leverage experts in your organisation. In this article, Senior Account Manager Jytte Raahede shares her tips on onboarding consultants successfully.
For many companies, the decision to go nearshore is not an easy one. It’s a decision that requires a great deal of consideration – we know that because several of our current clients were also reluctant to go nearshore at first. Learn our tips on how to get it right.
In this article, Martin Hartley, Group CCO at emagine, explores how we approach offshoring – not just as a cost-saving measure, but as a strategic extension of our delivery model.
In this article, offshoring expert James Tucker explores the origins of this business model, explaining its evolution and the promising potential it holds for the future.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the finance sector is not just a technological trend, it is a revolution that is reshaping the landscape of banking, investments, and financial inclusion. In this article, Martin Hartley takes a deep dive into the AI’s implementation in the financial sector.
What does the rapid change in the technology at our fingertips mean to the future of the jobs market and the skills employers will need access to? In this article, we look at the future of workforce skills and consider how business leaders can prepare.
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, where automation and AI are transforming industries, traditional project management (PM) approaches are giving way to a more agile, entrepreneurial mindset.
This article dives into the rapidly evolving AI landscape of 2025, exploring how AI agents, security advancements, and generative AI are reshaping business operations. From automation breakthroughs to geopolitical competition, we examine the key trends defining the future of enterprise AI.
emagine is committed to continuing the trajectory of sustainable business growth that the firm has experienced in recent years. We have implemented various strategic initiatives that will help to enhance our offering over time. One of them is our Leadership Programme that we launched last year.
In this article, Jesper Diget, CPO at emagine, explores how linking sustainability initiatives to the bottom line is reshaping business strategies.
Martin Hartley, CCO of emagine, shares insights on successful hybrid working through balancing in-person collaboration, creating team synergy through the use of virtual tools, and supporting individual productivity patterns.
emagine’s cybersecurity expert Trine Øksnebjerg explores the lessons learned since DORA’s introduction in January 2023 and ahead of its roll-out in January 2025.
Dive into the evolving role of technology in business growth and explore the strategies leaders are using to balance outsourcing and insourcing, all while navigating the challenges of a dynamic, tech-driven landscape.
This article explores Germany’s digital challenges, where gaps in skills and tech adoption risk its global competitiveness despite a strong industrial base and top technical universities.
As global digital transformation spending heads toward $3.9 trillion by 2027, this article explores an AI resource allocation case from emagine HQ, other AI optimizations, and common challenges.
Discover the evolving relationship between humans and advanced technologies. Our article delves into the ethical considerations and risks associated with modern machines, highlighting how the complexity of today’s tech goes beyond simple utility.
Enhance cybersecurity measures with updated systems, training, and secure remote work practices to protect your business. Explore here.
This article examines the importance of workplace upskilling, current trends, and how technological advancements will shape the future of workplace learning.
This article discusses how the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into project management is driving a cultural shift towards innovation and agility within organizations.
With increasing cyberattacks, organizations must prioritize compliance, improve cyber hygiene, and implement standards like ISO/IEC 27001 to build resilience and reduce risks. Learn what NIS 2 is and how businesses should prepare for this comprehensive European cybersecurity directive.
Understanding KYC protocols, AML regulations, and broader financial crime trends is vital for maintaining financial integrity. This article discusses key developments in compliance, KYC, and AML.
Learn the ins and outs of the world’s first comprehensive legal framework on AI, the new EU AI Act and its anticipated impact on businesses.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) which will apply from 17th January 2025.
Explore the UK Government’s latest draft on cybersecurity governance Code of Practice together with emagine’s expert, Trine Øksnebjerg.
In this article, we outline the best practices when it comes to navigating organizational change, including how to tackle challenges and maintain a clear vision when unprecedented issues arise.
This article equips team leaders with strategies for fostering digital wellbeing in the workplace, empowering them to guide their teams through the challenges that come with prolonged screen-time, hybrid work, and other factors of digitalisation in a modern workplace.
This article considers why strategic thinking is crucial to effective leadership and explores some practical ways for leaders at all levels to develop this skill.
With 2023 behind us and eyes fixed firmly on what opportunities 2024 will bring, Gillian Whelan, Country Manager of emagine Ireland, outlines five trends that will affect businesses this year.
Discover how to navigate AML challenges with automated processes and fortify your organization’s integrity and operations.
AI is reshaping industries globally, and Poland’s thriving ecosystem positions it as a leader in AI development. emagine’s Cloud Administrator explores why Poland is a powerhouse in AI.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business operations, companies are constantly looking for ways to optimise their workforce strategies. Explore the two popular approaches that have gained prominence: Managed Resourcing Services (MRS) and traditional staff augmentation.
In this article, we share some tips to navigate the intricate landscape of orchestrating interconnected projects and activities within a strategic framework.
PMBOK is regularly updated to accommodate new trends, best practices, and developments in the field. How much has it changed between editions?
Behind every successful project lies a competent and visionary leader. In this article, we delve into the undeniable importance of leadership within project management and explore how effective leadership can be the driving force behind achieving project objectives.
There are a number of things to consider when introducing a PMO. The Project Management Office fails far too often because of the wrong approach, and it can only be successful in the long term if fundamental questions are considered at an early stage.
emagine’s Nordic way of working embraces different perspectives and approaches to solve challenges and power progress among our consultants. Learn how our experts and Nordic work style can optimise our client’s operations and profitability.
Enabling new consultants seamlessly integrate into your organisation is critical to their success. To ensure a smooth onboarding process, it is essential to help them get started immediately. This article will guide you through the most critical aspects of getting a consultant to start delivering from day one.
Are you wondering if your company could benefit from hiring an IT consultant? This article outlines four common signs that indicate you may need external expertise to manage change, mitigate risk, or meet tight deadlines.
Get our ultimate guide on how your IT organization can tap into Polish IT talent. Download the e-book and read condensed knowledge, facts and cases about Nearshoring based on our 12 years experience. Download now and get it free.
As organizations strive to deliver high-quality software and services at scale, many are turning to a microservices architecture as a way to break down monolithic applications into smaller, more manageable components.
As a business and technology consulting firm, we live of our ability to recruit the very top talent for our business. In this piece, I would like to share our thoughts behind the approach we on emagine UK. We call it: The science behind hiring the top 10%.
Bringing in new technology, individuals, or new teams to work on a key project can feel like a threat to existing staff – but it doesn’t have to be that way if you manage change positively.
In this article, we will delve into Project Management Office (PMO) overview, and we will help you decide if it may be convenient for your team to have a PMO.
Poland has become a European talent hub in technology and engineering, and European companies leverage polish talent coding skills for nearshoring projects. Learn why.
Hiring external consultants isn’t something you should treat lightly. Learn the most satisfactory way to leverage experts in your organisation. In this article, Senior Account Manager Jytte Raahede shares her tips on onboarding consultants successfully.
For many companies, the decision to go nearshore is not an easy one. It’s a decision that requires a great deal of consideration – we know that because several of our current clients were also reluctant to go nearshore at first. Learn our tips on how to get it right.
In this article, Martin Hartley, Group CCO at emagine, explores how we approach offshoring – not just as a cost-saving measure, but as a strategic extension of our delivery model.
In this article, offshoring expert James Tucker explores the origins of this business model, explaining its evolution and the promising potential it holds for the future.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the finance sector is not just a technological trend, it is a revolution that is reshaping the landscape of banking, investments, and financial inclusion. In this article, Martin Hartley takes a deep dive into the AI’s implementation in the financial sector.
What does the rapid change in the technology at our fingertips mean to the future of the jobs market and the skills employers will need access to? In this article, we look at the future of workforce skills and consider how business leaders can prepare.
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, where automation and AI are transforming industries, traditional project management (PM) approaches are giving way to a more agile, entrepreneurial mindset.
This article dives into the rapidly evolving AI landscape of 2025, exploring how AI agents, security advancements, and generative AI are reshaping business operations. From automation breakthroughs to geopolitical competition, we examine the key trends defining the future of enterprise AI.
emagine is committed to continuing the trajectory of sustainable business growth that the firm has experienced in recent years. We have implemented various strategic initiatives that will help to enhance our offering over time. One of them is our Leadership Programme that we launched last year.
In this article, Jesper Diget, CPO at emagine, explores how linking sustainability initiatives to the bottom line is reshaping business strategies.
Martin Hartley, CCO of emagine, shares insights on successful hybrid working through balancing in-person collaboration, creating team synergy through the use of virtual tools, and supporting individual productivity patterns.
emagine’s cybersecurity expert Trine Øksnebjerg explores the lessons learned since DORA’s introduction in January 2023 and ahead of its roll-out in January 2025.
Dive into the evolving role of technology in business growth and explore the strategies leaders are using to balance outsourcing and insourcing, all while navigating the challenges of a dynamic, tech-driven landscape.
This article explores Germany’s digital challenges, where gaps in skills and tech adoption risk its global competitiveness despite a strong industrial base and top technical universities.
As global digital transformation spending heads toward $3.9 trillion by 2027, this article explores an AI resource allocation case from emagine HQ, other AI optimizations, and common challenges.
Discover the evolving relationship between humans and advanced technologies. Our article delves into the ethical considerations and risks associated with modern machines, highlighting how the complexity of today’s tech goes beyond simple utility.
Enhance cybersecurity measures with updated systems, training, and secure remote work practices to protect your business. Explore here.
This article examines the importance of workplace upskilling, current trends, and how technological advancements will shape the future of workplace learning.
This article discusses how the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into project management is driving a cultural shift towards innovation and agility within organizations.
With increasing cyberattacks, organizations must prioritize compliance, improve cyber hygiene, and implement standards like ISO/IEC 27001 to build resilience and reduce risks. Learn what NIS 2 is and how businesses should prepare for this comprehensive European cybersecurity directive.
Understanding KYC protocols, AML regulations, and broader financial crime trends is vital for maintaining financial integrity. This article discusses key developments in compliance, KYC, and AML.
Learn the ins and outs of the world’s first comprehensive legal framework on AI, the new EU AI Act and its anticipated impact on businesses.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) which will apply from 17th January 2025.
Explore the UK Government’s latest draft on cybersecurity governance Code of Practice together with emagine’s expert, Trine Øksnebjerg.
In this article, we outline the best practices when it comes to navigating organizational change, including how to tackle challenges and maintain a clear vision when unprecedented issues arise.
This article equips team leaders with strategies for fostering digital wellbeing in the workplace, empowering them to guide their teams through the challenges that come with prolonged screen-time, hybrid work, and other factors of digitalisation in a modern workplace.
This article considers why strategic thinking is crucial to effective leadership and explores some practical ways for leaders at all levels to develop this skill.
With 2023 behind us and eyes fixed firmly on what opportunities 2024 will bring, Gillian Whelan, Country Manager of emagine Ireland, outlines five trends that will affect businesses this year.
Discover how to navigate AML challenges with automated processes and fortify your organization’s integrity and operations.
AI is reshaping industries globally, and Poland’s thriving ecosystem positions it as a leader in AI development. emagine’s Cloud Administrator explores why Poland is a powerhouse in AI.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business operations, companies are constantly looking for ways to optimise their workforce strategies. Explore the two popular approaches that have gained prominence: Managed Resourcing Services (MRS) and traditional staff augmentation.
In this article, we share some tips to navigate the intricate landscape of orchestrating interconnected projects and activities within a strategic framework.
PMBOK is regularly updated to accommodate new trends, best practices, and developments in the field. How much has it changed between editions?
Behind every successful project lies a competent and visionary leader. In this article, we delve into the undeniable importance of leadership within project management and explore how effective leadership can be the driving force behind achieving project objectives.
There are a number of things to consider when introducing a PMO. The Project Management Office fails far too often because of the wrong approach, and it can only be successful in the long term if fundamental questions are considered at an early stage.
emagine’s Nordic way of working embraces different perspectives and approaches to solve challenges and power progress among our consultants. Learn how our experts and Nordic work style can optimise our client’s operations and profitability.
Enabling new consultants seamlessly integrate into your organisation is critical to their success. To ensure a smooth onboarding process, it is essential to help them get started immediately. This article will guide you through the most critical aspects of getting a consultant to start delivering from day one.
Are you wondering if your company could benefit from hiring an IT consultant? This article outlines four common signs that indicate you may need external expertise to manage change, mitigate risk, or meet tight deadlines.
Get our ultimate guide on how your IT organization can tap into Polish IT talent. Download the e-book and read condensed knowledge, facts and cases about Nearshoring based on our 12 years experience. Download now and get it free.
As organizations strive to deliver high-quality software and services at scale, many are turning to a microservices architecture as a way to break down monolithic applications into smaller, more manageable components.
As a business and technology consulting firm, we live of our ability to recruit the very top talent for our business. In this piece, I would like to share our thoughts behind the approach we on emagine UK. We call it: The science behind hiring the top 10%.
Bringing in new technology, individuals, or new teams to work on a key project can feel like a threat to existing staff – but it doesn’t have to be that way if you manage change positively.
In this article, we will delve into Project Management Office (PMO) overview, and we will help you decide if it may be convenient for your team to have a PMO.
Poland has become a European talent hub in technology and engineering, and European companies leverage polish talent coding skills for nearshoring projects. Learn why.
Hiring external consultants isn’t something you should treat lightly. Learn the most satisfactory way to leverage experts in your organisation. In this article, Senior Account Manager Jytte Raahede shares her tips on onboarding consultants successfully.
For many companies, the decision to go nearshore is not an easy one. It’s a decision that requires a great deal of consideration – we know that because several of our current clients were also reluctant to go nearshore at first. Learn our tips on how to get it right.