What is 'Business change within Programmes?'
- Helen Wilcock
- Nov 15, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 15, 2023

Business change within programs refers to the process of implementing changes within a business in order to achieve specific goals or objectives. These changes can range from small adjustments to large-scale transformations, and they often involve multiple stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners.
One of the key challenges of business change within programs is ensuring that the changes being made align with the overall strategy and goals of the organisation. This requires careful planning and communication, as well as a thorough understanding of the current state of the business and the desired outcome.
Another important aspect of business change within programs is the need to manage resistance to change. This can come in many forms, including resistance from employees, customers, or partners. It is important to anticipate and address this resistance, as it can slow down or even derail the change process.
Effective communication is a crucial element in managing resistance to change. This includes clearly communicating the reasons for the change, the benefits it will bring, and the steps being taken to minimise any negative impact. It is also important to involve employees, customers, and partners in the change process as much as possible, as this can help to build buy-in and support.

Another important aspect of business change within programs is the need to manage the risks associated with the change. This includes identifying potential risks and developing plans to mitigate or manage them. It is also important to have a plan in place for responding to any issues that may arise during the change process.
Effective leadership is essential for driving business change within programs. This includes having a clear vision for the change, setting clear goals and objectives, and providing the necessary resources and support to make the change happen. It is also important for leaders to be flexible and adaptable, as the change process is often unpredictable and may require adjustments along the way.
In addition to effective leadership, successful business change within programs also requires a strong team. This includes having the right people in the right roles, as well as providing them with the necessary training and support to be successful. It is also important to have a clear understanding of each team member's role and responsibilities, as well as how they fit into the overall change process.

Finally, it is essential to have a well-defined and structured project management plan in place for business change within programs. This includes developing a detailed project plan, setting milestones and deadlines, and monitoring progress against these targets. It is also important to have a system in place for managing changes to the project plan, as well as for dealing with any issues or problems that may arise.
Overall, business change within programs is a complex and challenging process that requires careful planning, effective communication, strong leadership, and a dedicated team. By following these principles, organisations can successfully implement changes that will help them achieve their goals and drive long-term success.
How Project Management can help with Business Change within programs
Project management provides structure and organisation for business change initiatives, ensuring that goals and objectives are clearly defined and progress is tracked.
Agile methodology emphasises flexibility and adaptability, allowing teams to quickly respond to changes in business requirements and pivot as needed.
Both project management and agile provide tools and processes for effective communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders, facilitating successful implementation of business change.
Project management and agile can help to identify and mitigate risks associated with business change, ensuring that potential roadblocks are identified and addressed before they become major issues.
By using project management and agile, teams can break down complex business change initiatives into smaller, manageable tasks, making it easier to track progress and measure success.

Author: Helen Wilcock
Certified Senior Agile Project Manager (IAPM) (DipNEBOSH)
An accomplished business and Agile DSDM project manager having extensive experience of complex project delivery for a range of SAAS projects in the retail, manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Find me on Linkedin here
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