Program Controls

Program Controls

Program Controls Jonathan Poland

Program controls are the mechanisms that enable a computer program to execute a set of instructions in a specific order and to make decisions based on the input or state of the program. These controls allow the program to perform a wide range of tasks and to adapt to changing conditions or inputs.

There are several types of program controls that are commonly used in computer programming. These include:

  1. Sequential control: This refers to the execution of instructions in a predetermined order. In a program with sequential control, each instruction is executed one after the other, in the order in which it appears in the code.
  2. Conditional control: This refers to the ability of a program to make decisions based on the input or state of the program. Conditional control is often implemented using if-then statements or switch statements.
  3. Iterative control: This refers to the ability of a program to repeat a set of instructions multiple times. Iterative control is often implemented using loops such as for loops or while loops.
  4. Subroutine control: This refers to the ability of a program to call and execute a set of instructions from another location in the code. Subroutines are often used to modularize code and make it easier to reuse and maintain.

Program controls are essential for creating programs that can perform a wide range of tasks and adapt to changing conditions. By using these controls, it is possible to create programs that are flexible, efficient, and easy to maintain. The following are common types of program control.

Estimates
Validating project estimates with techniques such as reference class forecasting.

Financial Controls
Financial controls such as a segregation of duties between project accounting and reconciliation processes.

Earned Value Management
Measuring project performance and progress.

Schedule Analysis
Measuring project performance and progress in terms of time.

Risk Management
Identifying and treating risks.

Health & Safety
Health & safety controls such as human error prevention programs.

Procurement
Procurement processes and segregation of duties in handling requisition, purchase orders and invoices.

Vendor Management
Vendor management such as a regular evaluation of vendor performance.

Document Control
Processes and systems for document control.

Performance Management
Performance management processes for project teams including project managers.

Project Governance
Oversight of project management processes and assurance that methodologies and standards are applied appropriately.

Improvement
Processes for learning from issues and developing capabilities and knowledge to improve.

Integration
Identifying and managing cross-project dependencies.

Metrics
Measuring and reporting program and project metrics to give program stakeholders visibility.

Learn More
The GSA Process 150 150 Jonathan Poland

The GSA Process

The General Services Administration (GSA) is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for managing and supporting the…

Business Cluster Jonathan Poland

Business Cluster

A business cluster is a geographic region that is home to a concentration of companies in a particular industry, and…

What is a Self-Replicating Machine? Jonathan Poland

What is a Self-Replicating Machine?

Self-replicating machines are robots or nanobots that are capable of producing copies of themselves, using scavenged materials and energy to…

Risk Management Process Jonathan Poland

Risk Management Process

Risk management is the practice of identifying and mitigating potential risks that could result in financial losses or other negative…

Experience Goods Jonathan Poland

Experience Goods

Experience goods are products or services that are consumed through an experiential or participatory process. They are characterized by their…

Choosing the Right Lobbyist 150 150 Jonathan Poland

Choosing the Right Lobbyist

First, determining whether hiring a lobbyist is right for your company depends on several factors. Consider the following questions to…

Team Manager Jonathan Poland

Team Manager

A team manager is responsible for directing and controlling an organizational unit. This leadership role involves authority and accountability for…

Examples of Competency Jonathan Poland

Examples of Competency

Competencies are the various traits and capabilities that enable an individual or organization to be effective and successful. These may…

Modular Products Jonathan Poland

Modular Products

Modular products are products that are made up of standardized, interchangeable parts or modules that can be easily assembled and…

Content Database

Search over 1,000 posts on topics across
business, finance, and capital markets.

Razor and Blades Jonathan Poland

Razor and Blades

The razor and blades model, also known as the bait and hook model, is a business strategy that involves selling…

Customer Advocacy Jonathan Poland

Customer Advocacy

Customer advocacy is a customer service strategy that involves employees representing and fighting for the interests of customers, rather than…

Decision Costs Jonathan Poland

Decision Costs

Decision costs refer to the costs associated with making a decision. These costs can take many forms, including the time…

What Is Innovation Capital? Jonathan Poland

What Is Innovation Capital?

Innovation capital is a form of intellectual capital that refers to the resources and processes that an organization uses to…

Austrian Economics 101 Jonathan Poland

Austrian Economics 101

Austrian economics is a school of economic thought that originated in Austria in the late 19th century with Carl Menger,…

Call To Action Jonathan Poland

Call To Action

A call to action (CTA) is a phrase or statement that is used to encourage a specific response or action…

Management Levels Jonathan Poland

Management Levels

A management level is a layer of accountability and responsibility in an organization. It is common for organizations to have…

Cost Effectiveness Jonathan Poland

Cost Effectiveness

Cost effectiveness is the measure of the relationship between the costs and outcomes of a program, project, or intervention. It…

Aftermarket Jonathan Poland

Aftermarket

The aftermarket refers to the market for products and services that are used to upgrade, customize, repair, or maintain durable…