Best way to manage programs?

Question

My company is starting a new program that will consist of many projects:

* An Android application
* An iOS application
* A web application
* A backend to support the applications
* A business analysis
* A brand strategy
* etc...

We have been using Jira for years but we are now wondering how we could use Jira to manage that program.

What we need is, obviously, to manage releases by project, and to give the Project Manager a way to follow the program iself in a concise and consolidated skin way.

Can Jira provide that? Do you have any other recommandation?

Anna-BigPicture · Answer

Hi @usernaem uasnd

Perhaps you should consider third-party apps to achieve expected results. BigPicture/BigGantt seems to be a good match! It’s a comprehensive tool that supports project management in every phase, helps to plan, manage and track the projects.

In BigPicture, you can use Boxes to represent your Programs. The scope of each of them is fully customizable. Generally, it's a freely defined collection of tasks based on a combination of multiple Jira projects, boards, or filters. This flexible approach will allow you to plan, track and iteratively manage work even though issues come from different Jira projects.

Moreover, in BigPicture Enterprise you can create upper-level boxes as Portfolios.  See my image as a reference.

Please, be advised that BigPicture can also create a no-limited number of WBS levels. Task Structure can be created based on both build-in task attributes like Versions (but also Epic link, Component, Sprint).

Let me know if you have any questions.

Have a good day.

Alex Koxaras -Relational- · Answer

Hi @usernaem uasnd ,

Yes, Jira can handle that. However, it depends on how you, as a team/company, are used to handle projects, and if you are changing project management/issue tracking software, how willing you are to switch.

Jira is a an amazing tool with many features any huge capabilities. It will not suit the needs of everyone in your team, but with the correct setup and guidance you will have no problem.

* How many people is on your team?
* How much time you have to adapt to Jira?
* Is anyone familiar with Jira?

Appart from these questions, you need to understand that whatever program you chose to use, you have to commit in using it properly (e.g. placing original estimates, or story points, logging work, comment on issues, releasing versions etc). First thing you have to look is how difficult it will be for your team to start using something new, and how you will overcome these obstacles.

Alex

Piotr Zadrożny _Eyzee_ · Answer

Hi @usernaem uasnd Welcome to Atlassian Community!

Atlassian has software dedicated for your needs called Jira Align.

For strategic planning you can also use Advanced Roadmap feature of Jira Software Premium.

Please check this article about Program Management and how Atlassian tools can fit into your requirements.

Best regards,

Piotr