CIPS Level 6 - Strategic Programme Leadership [L6M5]

About this course

On completion of this module, you will be able to assess contracting requirements and approaches for major strategic programmes and evaluate how organisational culture influences programme success. As large programmes play a central role in organisational strategy, you are expected to understand the contractual, financial, and managerial complexities that accompany long-term, high-value initiatives. This module helps you develop the ability to lead, coordinate, and monitor programme-related procurement activities, ensuring supplier performance, risk management, and value delivery remain aligned with strategic objectives.The module explores the diverse forms of contracts commonly used in major programmes, including NEC, FIDIC, and JCT contracts, and helps you compare pricing mechanisms such as target costing, fixed lump-sum pricing, bills of quantities, and activity-based approaches. You will assess investment appraisal techniques, understand programme control mechanisms, and evaluate how effective cost management contributes to the overall success of programme delivery. In addition, the module introduces you to key programme leadership concepts such as performance tracking, handling variations, managing claims, and applying remedial actions when necessary. It also guides you in understanding how programme activities affect the wider supply chain, from potential consequential losses to the implications of warranties, termination clauses, and contract closure. Finally, you will evaluate how organisational culture, team behaviours, and national cultural differences influence programme outcomes, and consider tools to support cultural alignment and change.Did you know: Research into major programme delivery shows that between 60% and 90% of large-scale programmes fail to meet at least one of their original objectives, often due to weak leadership, unclear governance, or cultural misalignment rather than technical issues.

Course objectives

• to enhance understanding of programme leadership
• to develop skills for effective cost management
• to cultivate awareness of team dynamics and cultural alignment within programmes