Use of Jira in Program Level management

[John Braeger]

Problem: how to create a "project" and dashboard to monitor, control, report, and integrate multiple project's into a "program" level view.

[Edwin Rozie · Accepted solution]

Hi @John Braeger ,

Adding to the responses above, you could also consider Ativo Programs for Jira to visualize the different projects (teams) at Program level, together with the dependencies between issues:

marketplace.atlassian.com

As for monitoring and control, there is a report per team (project) with issues/risks, progress per feature and a burn-up chart :

marketplace.atlassian.com

With kind regards,

Edwin Rozie - Ativo.io

[Jimi Wikman · Accepted solution]

There are several ways to do that depending on what you need, like using Advanced Roadmaps to extend the issue hierarchy or use an addon like Structure or BigPicture.

If you just want to use the standard Jira, then you can use the octopus setup :)

• Create one Jira project for each subproject of the program as usual.
• Create one Jira project for the Program. This is used for high level need or changes only.
• In the Program, create a board that fetches issues from the program and all the projects.

This will bring everything into the Program board and you can set filters for each project or just the program to quickly focus on one or the other.

It is not perfect, but it should give you a decent overview, I hope.

[Ravi Sagar _Sparxsys_ · Accepted solution]

Hi @John Braeger 

Well there are few things you can do.

• Create a common dashboard with various gadgets
• Use Kanban board
• Use Automation rules to roll up some information
• Ideally look at Advanced Roamaps to plan and track work across various projects, it will let you create your own hierarchy and much more
• Try apps like BigPicture and Structure for specific needs
• Or try a reporting app like eazyBI if you are more focused on analysing existing data

I hope it helps.

Ravi

[Anna-BigPicture · Accepted solution]

Hi @John Braeger, 

Taking into account your requirements, BigPicture seems to be a good match! 

First of all, flexible rules in defining a Program scope - BigPicture allows creating a defined collection of tasks based on a combination of multiple Jira projects and displaying them all on the roadmap. 

This approach greatly facilitates monitoring and measuring the progress on a single task,  project, or its iteration level but above all on a Program level (big picture view).

The plugin gives you the possibility to aggregate data of statuses, progress, and time tracking. 

Moreover, In the latest  8.2 version, we have improved reporting capabilities adding new reports types like cross-initiative team dependency diagrams and comprehensive risk matrices. Here you can read more. 

Just tag me in case of further questions. 

[John Braeger]

Thank you, Anna and everyone,

Would you have a sample business case/ROI you could share?  Would like to put together a proposal for leadership and having an example would help drive the effort.

[Anna-BigPicture]

Hi @John Braeger 

I am happy to hear that you consider Big Picture as a potential PPM tool!

Please review our latest case study demonstrating 90% KPI improvement since our client - Metapack Group, applied BigPicture. The link is Metapack – from manual updates to automated flexibility and clarity with BigPicture.

However, please bear in mind that it is an example. I recommend you contact our Team to understand the situation within your organization better and indicate in detail the potential benefits for your business.

Contact details: sales@softwareplant.com