Program and its initiation in practice: Development program initiation in a public consortium

Development programs are used to group multiple projects, reach strategic goals, and generate change in products, business, or ways of working. Major choices and a lot of learning are needed before the program can be executed. Program initiation represents a critical phase in program management, but there is little empirical evidence on the actual activities by which the program is initiated.We employ a qualitative case study methodology to explore program initiation practices in a public consortium that failed to proceed to program execution in their attempt to renew their service system. We characterize the program concept and initiation practices, and analyze their role with regards to program progress. The study contributes to program management research and identifies conceptual, procedural and institutional reasons for the early termination of the program.