The Role of the Project Sponsor

Overview

Project Sponsorship is vital to the successful implementation of any project or programme and the nature of the role must be fully understood before it can be effectively practised. It has been widely recognised (by the National Audit Office, the Office for Government Commerce and others) that a lack of both a clear link between the organisation’s projects and programmes and key strategic priorities and clear senior management ownership and leadership are common causes of many failures. Within most organisations, governance and sponsorship arrangements are unclear and, even if they are prescribed through a definitive framework, they are usually implemented in differing practical ways.

This one day workshop uses self evaluation, syndicate work, plenary discussion and personal reflection to identify how participants can maximise their effectiveness as a project sponsor.

Prerequisites

The event is designed for specifically those in a senior position in their organisation, where they are responsible for sponsoring projects or in a role where they come into contact with those in a sponsorship environment. Attendance by groups each representing a different facet of the senior management group of the organisation may benefit in attending as a group to obtain maximum benefit, collectively understanding the different roles and responsibilities in a sponsorship environment.

Delegates will learn how to

• Critically evaluate their understanding and approach to project sponsorship against the recommendations of the National Audit Office of Government Commerce, identifying strengths and weaknesses and understand the nature of an ‘Intelligent Client’
• Discuss the different levels of sponsorship with an organisation
• Develop and discuss the role of the project sponsor in project governance and escalation
• Practice the knowledge identified and acquired

Course Outline.

• Module 1: Role of an effective sponsor
• Module 2: Behaviours and competencies of an effective sponsor
• Module 3: Benefits management
• Module 4: Risk