Programme management is an approach used by organisations to bring about significant change and realise the desired benefits and business outcomes.  Typically involving the identification and execution of multiple projects and other initiatives, it also includes the implementation and embedding of new ways of working, and enable the subsequent realisation of benefits.

Within Managing Successful Programme ( MSP® a registered trade mark of the Cabinet Office ) the definition of  a programme is:  a temporary flexible organization created to coordinate, direct and oversee a series of related projects and activities in order to deliver and benefits related to the organization strategic benefits. 

A programme is likely to span a number of years. As a result of the timescales and the significant uncertainty of programmes, they are commonly organised into ‘tranches’ whereby a series of projects and initiatives, which result in a stable position for the organisation, are completed in succession.  This allows for a change of direction or emphasis to be made at the end of each tranche.