Application of systemic design thinking for program management

Abstract

In today's fast paced digital world, the business environment is very dynamic. Business strategies are realized using programs as vehicles of transformation. Most of the strategic organizational programs are very large in size and also very complex in nature due to several stakeholders and dimensions involved. Many of the organizational programs fail due to lack of proper framework that outlines integrated methodologies for easy planning, delivery, implementation and governance. The current program management methodologies focused more on execution of strategies using analytical thinking. But the programs are increasingly complex that need a different kind of thinking. The needs of business, the program stakeholders and its managers have to be delved into deeply with systems thinking and design thinking paradigms in order to increase the program success by considering innovative ways. The analytical management methods may help but are not sufficient for success. Hence a systemic approach needs to be taken to overcome the challenges faced by program management professionals. We argue that both traditional analytical thinking that is currently used and the proposed Design thinking are necessary for successful Program management. In order to effectively blend these two types of thinking, a Systems thinking mindset is needed for program management considering program as a system. In this paper we introduce a systemic design thinking methodology for the Program Management after reviewing the literature on Program Management and Design thinking with an emphasis on Systems Thinking. A guiding framework for program management was used in developing the systemic design methodology. A case of a Telecommunication services giant providing operations in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region is illustrated on how Systemic Design thinking methodology was applied for Program Management. This has resulted in many benefits for the organizations making the program successful.