The primary responsibility of a program manager is to deliver benefits and maximize value for the organization. A program that is under budget presents a strategic opportunity to deliver additional value. Before proceeding to the administrative step of program closure, the program manager should proactively engage the program sponsor to discuss potential opportunities. These could include incorporating deferred scope, adding new features, or other enhancements that align with the program's strategic objectives. This action demonstrates strategic thinking and a focus on benefits realization, which are core tenets of program management.

A. Requesting to initiate closure is a valid step, but it is premature. The opportunity to maximize value with the remaining funds should be explored first.

C. Program funds are allocated for specific program objectives and cannot be unilaterally transferred to operational budgets without formal governance approval.

D. While applying the budget to deferred requests is a possibility, the program manager should first present this and other options to the sponsor for a decision, not act unilaterally.

1. Project Management Institute. (2017). The Standard for Program Management (4th ed.).

Section 3.4.2

The Role of the Program Sponsor: The sponsor is responsible for championing the program and making key decisions. Presenting opportunities to the sponsor for a decision on how to best use surplus funds is a key interaction. (p. 37).

Section 5.4

Program Financial Management: This section emphasizes that program financial management is an iterative process that includes "monitoring and controlling program costs and managing budget variances." A positive variance (underspend) should be managed strategically to support program objectives and benefits delivery. (p. 77).

Section 4.3

Program Benefits Management: This performance domain highlights the program manager's role in continuously monitoring

managing

and enhancing the expected benefits throughout the program life cycle. An underspend is a trigger to assess if benefits can be further enhanced. (p. 49).