Many organization's Project Portfolio content has evolved over recent years, resulting in Programs, as opposed to projects.

Programs consume personnel resources at a much greater rate than projects given that most programs contain multiple sub-projects, which need multiple layers of key resources, e.g., project managers.

Most current EPMO supported Project Methodology is directed to projects as opposed to programs.  As a result, many organizations have no program-related standards in use.

Programs can use some of their project methodology, and adapt it accordingly; yet there are areas of need within program management that often go unsupported.

Identify which tools in your project management toolbox can be easily modified to support program management; status reporting is a good place to start.

Determine which Project Management tools can be replaced with Program Management tools and know when you must offer (and require) both.

As portfolios evolve, EPMOs must seek research and capture best practice information to establish a "program-based" methodology.  Future programs will be able to avail themselves of standard, successful practices in the management of their work.