Abstract
This paper examines the limitations of traditional risk management in major programs, where first-order approaches address immediate risks but overlook systemic issues, and second-order methods struggle with implementation. The proposed Major Program Problem Management (MPPM) framework integrates ITIL v4 Problem Management with Lean Six Sigma tools, including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis and Pareto charts, to enhance program performance.
MPPM is applied to data from a major datacenter program’s Risk and Issue Register, identifying key sources of schedule delays. Interviews with program professionals inform a high-level implementation approach, emphasizing the relationship between benefits, required resources, and limitations. The study discusses how MPPM improves risk visibility, aligning findings with existing literature. By addressing systemic risks effectively, MPPM offers a structured method to enhance program outcomes.