This role oversees complex, cross-functional projects from initiation to completion within a large technology organization. Individuals in this position are responsible for defining project scope, managing timelines, coordinating resources, and mitigating risks to ensure successful delivery of key initiatives. For example, a typical task might involve leading the development and launch of a new service or product feature, requiring close collaboration with engineering, product, and marketing teams.
The significance of this function lies in its ability to drive efficiency and innovation within the organization. Effective execution directly contributes to improved product quality, faster time-to-market, and increased customer satisfaction. Historically, the need for such a position has grown with the increasing complexity and scale of technology projects, requiring dedicated individuals to ensure strategic alignment and operational excellence.
The following sections will delve into the specific responsibilities, required skills, and career trajectory associated with this critical organizational component. This exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role’s demands and its contribution to overall organizational success.
1. Strategic Project Leadership
Strategic project leadership forms the bedrock of the senior technical program manager function. The role necessitates not only managing individual projects but also aligning them with broader organizational goals. This alignment requires a comprehensive understanding of the company’s strategic vision and the ability to translate that vision into actionable project plans. For instance, if a company aims to expand its market share in a specific region, the technical program manager must ensure that related projects contribute directly to that goal, potentially involving the development of region-specific product features or infrastructure improvements. Without this strategic alignment, projects risk becoming isolated efforts, failing to contribute to the company’s overall objectives.
The application of strategic project leadership can be observed in the proactive identification of potential risks and opportunities. A senior technical program manager anticipates challenges before they materialize, developing mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts. Conversely, they also identify opportunities for innovation and optimization within projects, leveraging emerging technologies or process improvements to enhance project outcomes. A practical example involves proactively addressing potential security vulnerabilities during the development of a new software platform, ensuring compliance with industry standards and protecting sensitive user data from the outset. This proactive approach demonstrates the strategic mindset required to navigate complex projects successfully.
In summation, strategic project leadership is an indispensable component of the senior technical program manager role. It ensures projects are not merely completed on time and within budget but that they also contribute meaningfully to the company’s strategic objectives. The ability to align projects with the overall vision, anticipate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities distinguishes effective program managers and ensures the long-term success of initiatives. Lack of strategic project leadership can lead to misalignment, missed opportunities, and compromised organizational goals.
2. Cross-functional Collaboration
Cross-functional collaboration is paramount for the success of a senior technical program manager within a large, multifaceted organization. The position necessitates consistent interaction and coordination with diverse teams, each possessing unique skill sets and objectives. The ability to effectively bridge these disparate groups is crucial for project success and organizational alignment.
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Alignment of Engineering and Product Teams
This involves facilitating communication between engineering teams responsible for technical implementation and product teams defining market requirements. A senior technical program manager ensures that technical solutions align with product vision and user needs. For instance, when developing a new feature for an e-commerce platform, the program manager must ensure that engineering teams understand the product requirements outlined by the product team, avoiding technical solutions that do not meet user expectations or business goals.
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Coordination with Marketing and Sales
Bringing new products or features to market requires close collaboration with marketing and sales teams. The senior technical program manager plays a vital role in ensuring that technical timelines align with marketing campaigns and sales strategies. A practical example is coordinating the launch of a new cloud service, ensuring that the service is ready for deployment when the marketing campaign begins and that sales teams are adequately trained to promote the service to potential clients. Failure to coordinate can lead to missed market opportunities or a disjointed customer experience.
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Interface with Operations and Support
Effective project delivery necessitates seamless integration with operations and support teams. The senior technical program manager ensures that newly developed systems and processes can be effectively supported and maintained by operations teams. For example, when deploying a new data analytics platform, the program manager must collaborate with operations teams to ensure that they have the necessary tools, training, and documentation to monitor and maintain the platform’s performance and reliability. A lack of coordination can result in operational inefficiencies and increased downtime.
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Stakeholder Management Across Departments
A senior technical program manager manages expectations and communicates progress to various stakeholders across different departments, from executive leadership to individual contributors. This involves regularly providing updates on project status, addressing concerns, and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on project goals. For example, during a large-scale system migration, the program manager must communicate regularly with stakeholders from finance, legal, and compliance to ensure that the migration adheres to regulatory requirements and minimizes disruption to business operations. Open and transparent communication builds trust and ensures that stakeholders remain informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
The ability to foster effective cross-functional collaboration is a critical determinant of success for a senior technical program manager. By facilitating communication, aligning objectives, and managing expectations across diverse teams, the program manager ensures that projects are delivered successfully and contribute to the organization’s overall strategic goals. Without strong cross-functional collaboration skills, projects risk delays, miscommunication, and ultimately, failure to meet business objectives.
3. Risk Mitigation Strategies
Effective risk mitigation strategies are integral to the role of a senior technical program manager. The function necessitates identifying potential threats to project success and proactively implementing measures to minimize their impact. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining project timelines, budget adherence, and quality standards. For instance, a potential risk in developing a new cloud-based service might be the dependency on a third-party vendor. The program manager would then implement mitigation strategies, such as establishing backup vendors or creating contingency plans to manage potential vendor-related delays or performance issues. Without such planning, project timelines could be significantly impacted.
The application of risk mitigation strategies also extends to internal operational risks. This includes managing resource constraints, addressing skill gaps within the project team, and proactively resolving dependencies between different project components. A practical example involves identifying a critical team member with a unique skill set and implementing a knowledge-transfer plan to ensure continuity in the event of their absence. Additionally, the program manager would develop alternative solutions to resolve dependencies if one component of the project faces delays. This layered approach is important for minimizing disruptions and maintaining project momentum.
In summary, risk mitigation is not merely a reactive process but a fundamental component of effective program management. The ability to foresee potential problems and implement preventative measures is crucial for successful project delivery. The understanding and execution of these strategies are central to the responsibilities of a senior technical program manager, ensuring project resilience and minimizing the impact of unforeseen events. This proactive approach is important for minimizing disruptions and maintaining project momentum, thereby contributing to the successful achievement of project goals.
4. Technical Expertise
Technical expertise is a foundational requirement for a senior technical program manager. While not necessarily requiring deep coding skills in every technology involved, a robust understanding of technical concepts, architectures, and development processes is crucial. This knowledge base enables the individual to effectively communicate with engineering teams, understand technical trade-offs, and make informed decisions regarding project scope, timelines, and resource allocation. For instance, when overseeing the development of a new AWS service, a senior technical program manager needs to grasp the fundamentals of cloud computing, distributed systems, and security protocols to accurately assess project risks and allocate resources appropriately. This is paramount for maintaining the efficient development lifecycle within specific organizational guidelines.
Without sufficient technical acumen, a senior technical program manager risks becoming a mere administrative coordinator, unable to effectively challenge technical assumptions or identify potential roadblocks. The lack of technical understanding can lead to unrealistic timelines, underestimation of required resources, and ultimately, project failure. Consider a scenario where a project involves integrating multiple services. Without a sufficient grasp of the integration challenges, the program manager might underestimate the complexity and fail to allocate adequate testing resources. The resulting integration issues could lead to significant delays and cost overruns. Further, technical proficiency enables the program manager to evaluate and adopt appropriate technical solutions, for instance, determining the optimum deployment pipeline for a serverless application.
In conclusion, technical expertise is not merely a desirable attribute but a critical competency for a senior technical program manager. It facilitates effective communication, informed decision-making, and proactive risk mitigation. By possessing a solid understanding of technical principles, a senior technical program manager can effectively lead complex projects to successful completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and optimizing resource utilization. The presence of technical expertise directly impacts the overall success rate and efficiency of projects executed, especially with the integration with modern technologies.
5. Resource Allocation
Resource allocation is a core responsibility inextricably linked to the role. Effective allocation of personnel, budget, and tools directly impacts project timelines, quality, and overall success. A senior technical program manager’s ability to strategically allocate resources is a direct determinant of project outcomes, influencing both the efficiency of execution and the likelihood of achieving strategic objectives. For instance, if a critical project requires expertise in a specific machine learning algorithm, the program manager is responsible for securing individuals with those skills, potentially involving internal transfers, external hires, or contracting specialist consultants. Incorrect allocation, such as assigning individuals lacking necessary expertise, results in delays and compromised project deliverables.
Consider a situation involving the development of a new e-commerce platform. The program manager must allocate development resources to build the core functionality, infrastructure resources to host the platform, and testing resources to ensure quality and security. This entails determining the optimal team size for each area, procuring the necessary cloud computing services, and establishing automated testing frameworks. Inefficient resource allocation, such as over-allocating resources to one area while neglecting another, can lead to bottlenecks and delays. The optimal approach balances competing demands and aligns resource distribution with project priorities and dependencies.
Effective resource allocation requires continuous monitoring and adjustment throughout the project lifecycle. Unforeseen challenges, such as technical roadblocks or changes in project scope, may necessitate reallocation of resources to address emerging needs. A program manager’s ability to adapt to these changes and make informed decisions about resource reallocation is critical for maintaining project momentum and mitigating risks. Furthermore, efficient resource allocation necessitates establishing clear priorities and making difficult choices about which tasks or features to prioritize when resources are constrained. Such decisions require a strategic perspective and a deep understanding of project objectives, coupled with strong communication skills to manage stakeholder expectations. In conclusion, proficiency in resource allocation is a fundamental skill for senior technical program managers and a key driver of project success.
6. Timeline Management
Timeline management represents a critical function within the responsibilities of a senior technical program manager. Its effective execution directly influences project delivery, resource allocation, and stakeholder satisfaction. Accurate and proactive timeline management enables predictable outcomes and mitigates potential delays that can impact overall business objectives.
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Creation of Realistic Project Schedules
A senior technical program manager is responsible for constructing comprehensive project schedules that account for all relevant tasks, dependencies, and resource constraints. This involves collaborating with engineering, product, and other cross-functional teams to estimate task durations accurately. An example includes a product launch where the program manager defines milestones for development, testing, and marketing activities, ensuring realistic timelines based on available resources. Inaccurate schedules lead to delays and resource bottlenecks, disrupting project momentum.
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Monitoring Project Progress and Identifying Deviations
Continuous monitoring of project progress is essential for identifying deviations from the established timeline. The program manager utilizes tools and techniques to track task completion, identify potential delays, and proactively address issues that may impact the schedule. For example, if a key engineering component encounters unexpected technical challenges, the program manager intervenes to reallocate resources, adjust timelines, or implement alternative solutions. Failure to monitor progress results in delayed identification of issues and escalation of potential disruptions.
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Dependency Management and Critical Path Analysis
Understanding and managing project dependencies is crucial for effective timeline management. A senior technical program manager identifies critical paths, which are sequences of tasks that directly impact project completion dates. Any delays in critical path activities can cause overall project delays. For example, if a database migration is dependent on the completion of infrastructure upgrades, the program manager ensures that the infrastructure work is prioritized and progresses according to schedule. Effective dependency management minimizes delays caused by sequential task dependencies.
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Communication and Stakeholder Alignment
Transparent communication regarding project timelines is vital for maintaining stakeholder alignment. The program manager regularly communicates project status, including any changes to the schedule, to relevant stakeholders. This involves providing updates through regular reports, meetings, and presentations. For example, if a project experiences an unexpected delay due to a regulatory change, the program manager informs stakeholders of the impact on the overall timeline and the mitigation strategies being implemented. Open communication builds trust and enables stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Effective timeline management is a hallmark of a successful senior technical program manager. It ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget, contributing to the overall success of the organization. Proactive planning, continuous monitoring, and transparent communication are key components of effective timeline management, enabling predictable outcomes and mitigating potential disruptions.
7. Stakeholder Communication
Stakeholder communication constitutes a cornerstone of the senior technical program manager’s role within a large organization. The effectiveness with which a program manager disseminates information, manages expectations, and cultivates relationships directly influences project success and overall organizational alignment. Failure to engage in transparent and consistent communication can lead to misunderstandings, eroded trust, and ultimately, project failure.
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Information Dissemination and Transparency
A critical function is providing timely and accurate information to all relevant parties. This includes project status updates, risk assessments, and resource allocation changes. For instance, a senior technical program manager overseeing the development of a new cloud-based service must communicate progress to engineering teams, product managers, and executive leadership, ensuring everyone remains informed of the project’s trajectory. Delays in information dissemination or lack of transparency can result in misalignment and impede decision-making processes.
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Expectation Management and Alignment
Stakeholder communication plays a key role in managing expectations regarding project deliverables, timelines, and potential challenges. The program manager must proactively address concerns, set realistic expectations, and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on project goals. For example, if a project faces technical complexities that necessitate timeline adjustments, the senior technical program manager must communicate these changes transparently, explaining the rationale behind the adjustments and outlining mitigation strategies. Failure to manage expectations effectively can lead to dissatisfaction and eroded stakeholder confidence.
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Relationship Building and Trust Cultivation
Effective communication extends beyond simply conveying information; it also involves building strong relationships with stakeholders. The senior technical program manager must cultivate trust through open dialogue, active listening, and consistent follow-through. This may involve regular one-on-one meetings, informal check-ins, and collaborative problem-solving sessions. Strong relationships foster a collaborative environment, enabling stakeholders to work together effectively to overcome challenges and achieve project objectives. Without trust, communication can become strained, and stakeholders may be less willing to support project initiatives.
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Conflict Resolution and Issue Escalation
Stakeholder communication is instrumental in resolving conflicts and addressing issues that arise during the project lifecycle. The senior technical program manager must facilitate constructive dialogue, mediate disputes, and escalate unresolved issues to the appropriate levels. This may involve facilitating meetings between conflicting parties, documenting concerns, and proposing potential solutions. Effective conflict resolution minimizes disruptions and ensures that projects remain on track. Failure to address conflicts promptly can escalate tensions and hinder project progress.
In conclusion, stakeholder communication is a multifaceted and critical aspect of the senior technical program manager role. The ability to effectively disseminate information, manage expectations, cultivate relationships, and resolve conflicts directly impacts project success and organizational alignment. The facets outlined are vital for the program manager within a technology-focused organization, contributing to transparent operations.
8. Process Improvement
The senior technical program manager’s role intrinsically involves process improvement, functioning as a critical driver for efficiency and effectiveness within project management methodologies. The connection is not merely incidental; process improvement is a core responsibility, influencing project timelines, resource utilization, and overall project success. These individuals are tasked with identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for optimization within existing project workflows. For instance, a senior technical program manager might analyze the software deployment process and identify opportunities to automate testing procedures, reducing manual effort and accelerating release cycles. The direct result is faster time-to-market and improved product quality, demonstrating a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
Consider the practical application of agile methodologies. Senior technical program managers often implement and refine agile processes to enhance team collaboration, improve communication, and accelerate project delivery. This may involve streamlining sprint planning meetings, optimizing daily stand-up routines, or implementing continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines. The importance of process improvement is evident in its ability to adapt project methodologies to specific team dynamics and project requirements, thereby increasing overall project agility and responsiveness. A failure to engage in process improvement leads to stagnation, inefficiency, and an inability to adapt to changing business needs. By implementing automation tools, program managers facilitate process acceleration and allow teams to scale operations effectively.
In conclusion, process improvement is not a separate task but an embedded function within the senior technical program manager’s sphere of influence. It requires a proactive approach, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of project management principles. The benefits of continuous process improvement are tangible, resulting in increased efficiency, improved quality, and greater stakeholder satisfaction. This commitment to optimization ultimately contributes to the organization’s overall competitive advantage by fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, with a direct impact on business outcomes.
9. Data-Driven Decisions
Data-driven decision-making is crucial for a senior technical program manager, enabling informed choices that optimize project outcomes and align with strategic objectives. The role necessitates a commitment to leveraging empirical evidence to guide project planning, execution, and risk mitigation strategies.
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Performance Metrics and KPI Monitoring
The senior technical program manager utilizes key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance metrics to objectively assess project health and identify areas for improvement. For instance, tracking velocity, burn-down rates, and defect density provides insights into team performance and potential bottlenecks. The proactive monitoring and analysis of these metrics enable data-informed adjustments to resource allocation, task prioritization, and risk mitigation plans. This approach ensures that decisions are based on objective data rather than subjective opinions, minimizing bias and maximizing project efficiency.
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A/B Testing and Experimentation
Data informs critical decisions related to product features, user experience, and marketing strategies. A/B testing and experimentation are integral to validating assumptions and optimizing performance. For example, when launching a new feature, the senior technical program manager facilitates A/B tests to compare different versions of the feature and determine which performs best based on user engagement, conversion rates, and other relevant metrics. The results of these experiments provide objective evidence to guide decision-making and ensure that product development efforts are aligned with user needs and business goals.
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Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Quantitative analysis of project risks and dependencies enables informed decision-making regarding mitigation strategies. The senior technical program manager uses data to assess the likelihood and impact of potential risks, prioritizing mitigation efforts based on quantitative risk scores. For instance, analyzing historical project data to identify common sources of delays or cost overruns allows proactive planning and the implementation of targeted risk mitigation measures. This evidence-based approach minimizes the impact of unforeseen events and ensures projects remain on track.
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Resource Allocation and Budget Optimization
Data analysis drives informed resource allocation and budget optimization decisions. The senior technical program manager uses data on resource utilization, task durations, and project dependencies to allocate resources effectively and minimize waste. For example, analyzing the cost-effectiveness of different cloud computing services allows the program manager to optimize infrastructure spending and maximize the return on investment. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, maximizing project value and minimizing unnecessary expenses.
The facets presented are essential tools of the position. From metrics to testing to budget analysis, the senior technical program manager’s impact is driven by their ability to derive meaning from complex datasets. Data-driven decisions are a cornerstone of the senior technical program manager’s effectiveness and contribute to the overall success of the organization. This approach ensures strategic goals are grounded in empirical evidence, leading to increased accountability and transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses common inquiries regarding the role of Senior Technical Program Manager within Amazon, providing clarity on responsibilities, expectations, and career progression.
Question 1: What are the primary responsibilities of a Senior Technical Program Manager at Amazon?
The primary responsibilities encompass leading complex, cross-functional projects from initiation to completion. This involves defining project scope, managing timelines, coordinating resources, mitigating risks, and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Effective communication and stakeholder management are also core components of the role.
Question 2: What technical skills are essential for success in this position?
While deep coding expertise is not always mandatory, a solid understanding of technical concepts, software development methodologies, and system architectures is vital. Proficiency in cloud computing, distributed systems, and related technologies is particularly relevant, enabling informed decision-making and effective communication with engineering teams.
Question 3: How does a Senior Technical Program Manager contribute to innovation at Amazon?
The Senior Technical Program Manager fosters innovation by driving continuous process improvement, identifying opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, and facilitating collaboration across diverse teams. These individuals often lead initiatives to streamline workflows, automate processes, and optimize resource utilization, ultimately accelerating the pace of innovation.
Question 4: What career progression opportunities are available for Senior Technical Program Managers within Amazon?
Career progression opportunities may include advancement to Principal Technical Program Manager, Program Manager Director, or leadership roles within specific technology domains. Opportunities also exist to transition into product management or engineering management based on individual skills and interests.
Question 5: What is the typical project scope managed by a Senior Technical Program Manager at Amazon?
Project scope varies significantly depending on the organization and business needs. Typical projects involve the development and launch of new products or services, large-scale system migrations, or the implementation of strategic initiatives that span multiple teams and departments. These projects often have significant financial and operational impact on the organization.
Question 6: How important is cross-functional collaboration in this role?
Cross-functional collaboration is paramount. The Senior Technical Program Manager is responsible for facilitating communication and alignment between engineering, product, marketing, sales, and operations teams. Success in this role hinges on the ability to build strong relationships, manage expectations, and resolve conflicts across diverse stakeholder groups.
In summary, the role demands a combination of technical understanding, project management acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to navigate complex projects and drive organizational success. The need to align stakeholders is highly critical to the overall position and tasks assigned.
The following section will explore the skills required to be a Sr. Technical Program Manager at Amazon.
Tips for Aspiring Senior Technical Program Managers at Amazon
The following tips are designed to provide actionable guidance for individuals seeking to excel as a Senior Technical Program Manager within Amazon. These recommendations are based on industry best practices and insights into the specific demands of this role.
Tip 1: Cultivate Deep Technical Understanding: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of core technologies, software development methodologies, and cloud computing principles. This technical foundation enables effective communication with engineering teams and informed decision-making regarding project scope and architecture.
Tip 2: Hone Project Management Expertise: Master essential project management skills, including risk management, timeline development, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. Proficiency in project management tools and techniques is crucial for orchestrating complex initiatives.
Tip 3: Develop Strong Leadership Qualities: Exhibit leadership qualities by inspiring and motivating cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. Effective leadership involves clear communication, active listening, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively.
Tip 4: Master Data Analysis and Decision-Making: Cultivate skills in data analysis and interpretation to support data-driven decision-making. Leverage performance metrics, A/B testing results, and other relevant data sources to optimize project outcomes and align with strategic objectives.
Tip 5: Embrace Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The technology landscape is constantly evolving, requiring a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in project management to remain competitive and effective.
Tip 6: Prioritize Effective Communication: Communication skills are paramount. Clearly and concisely convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring alignment and understanding among stakeholders.
Tip 7: Emphasize Stakeholder Management: Develop strong stakeholder management skills to build trust, manage expectations, and resolve conflicts effectively. Proactively engage stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle to ensure their needs are met and their concerns are addressed.
These tips, when implemented, can significantly enhance an individual’s prospects for success as a Senior Technical Program Manager at Amazon. By emphasizing technical competence, project management expertise, leadership qualities, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to continuous learning, aspiring program managers can position themselves for career advancement and impactful contributions within the organization.
The next section summarizes the key learnings and takeaways from this article, solidifying the reader’s understanding of the Senior Technical Program Manager role at Amazon.
In Conclusion
This article explored the multifaceted role of sr. technical program manager amazon, elucidating the core responsibilities, required skills, and strategic impact within a major technological organization. Key takeaways include the importance of technical expertise, project management acumen, stakeholder communication, and data-driven decision-making. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the significance of process improvement and risk mitigation strategies in ensuring project success.
The information presented serves as a foundational understanding for those aspiring to, or interacting with, this critical function. Continued focus on developing the outlined competencies will prove invaluable for both individual career growth and organizational effectiveness. The sr. technical program manager amazon position remains a pivotal component in driving innovation and achieving strategic objectives within Amazon and similar enterprises. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to further investigate how this function drives organizational achievements.
