This definition of the Program Manager role was still insufficient as a basis for developing performance based standards due largely to lack of clarity and shared understanding of what constitutes a program. At Working Session No 9 (Boston, June 2006) an initial attempt was made at categorising programs. Four categories were identified: a single large project, multi-project programs, strategic programs and operational programs. Five distinguishing attributes were proposed as indicated in Figure 2 below. This is only a preliminary categorisation which will require further work but provides a useful basis for further development at Working Session No 10 to be held in China in October 2006.

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Updated January 2009; This typology is in the process of being updated and revised based on a review of the program management literature; the GAPPS program Manager Standard when issued may not use these classifications.

Note: At Working Session 8 the GAPPS decided to settle on Program rather than Programme.