When it comes to the program, a program manager needs to focus on strategy and implementation, and how to delegate projects appropriately. Risk management isn't optional for any firm or system that hopes to sustain itself. Project Management vs. Program Management vs. Project Management Program management is strategic in nature, while project management is tactical in nature. In these organizations, a program manager’s role is essentially a higher-level variation of a project manager’s role, with fewer tactical or administrative tasks, but with responsibility for the success of the program as a whole. To learn more about managing projects and programs in ClearPoint, schedule time with our team. We’ll give you a quick tour and figure out if it’s the right solution for your program management. Project vs. The focus is on the operational elements of a project. They are temporary in that they have a defined beginning and end. Once the programs and projects have been determined, program management involves assigning the appropriate resources to projects, and coordinating the completion of a program’s portfolio of projects. The term “program management” isn’t as commonly used as project management, and many organizations either aren’t practicing it or don’t realize they are. It is a priority at nearly every organization because of its effectiveness at setting expectations around what can be delivered, by when, and for how much money. You don’t need multiple projects to be running a programme.But you do need an end-point in a programme – which is a stable flow of benefits which HAVE BEEN achieved.Whether we look at the PMI’s pair of manuals or the pair that are MSP and PRINCE2 we see procedural guidance rather than behavioural.The procedures to run project are a sub… They are managed at a higher level with regard to the organization's goals; program managers are closely tied to strategy. The project plan details the schedule of each stage of the project and the completion date. The bicycle program might include three projects that the program manager sees as crucial to reaching the organization’s goals: upgrading and expanding bicycle lanes, creating a public relations campaign to promote more frequent bicycling, and starting a bike share program. Projects are temporary whereas Programs are on-going: A project has a defined beginning and end. Organizations with mature program management are far more successful than those without it, according to our research. In this case, a program would be formed around advancing bicycle transportation, and another around improving the highway system. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between program and project management, how they are helpful to reaching your organizational goals, and how you can use ClearPoint to better manage both. Program management is mapping out and defining the list of dependent projects that need to be completed to reach an overall goal. Project management is about doing the work that’s required to meet goals. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Portfolio Managers. “Program Management vs. Project Management - Is there any difference? This often translates into lack of overall program coordination, communication and management negatively affecting a program… Project management is the act of creating plans and managing resources in order to accomplish a project. Table 1: Program Management vs. Project Management Delivering the "Whole Product" To explore further, let's consider the concept of the "whole product". Book a tour today to see how ClearPoint simplifies the project and program management process. Program Management. The next time you’re wondering what a specific undertaking qualifies as, ask yourself these questions: If you answer yes to more of the above questions than no, then you’re working on a program, not a project. The key difference is in the focus of the management effort; project management is focused on creating a deliverable as efficiently as possible, program management is focused on maximizing the benefits realized by the organization. Project Management vs Program Management vs Portfolio Management. The following table narrates other major differences between program and project management. Portfolio Managers While the project manager is managing multiple tasks within a project, the program manager is coordinating between related projects within a program, in order to determine which projects are working towards the same or similar goals, and which may be dependent upon others. Are there multiple organizational goals being accomplished? Program vs. It’s a more tactical role, and sometimes a more technical one, than program management. Project Management. Project Management vs. Project Management. The program management function is responsible for the delivery of the whole product to the customer and for achievement of the intended When it comes to the program, a program manager needs to focus on strategy and implementation, and how to delegate projects appropriately. To see the difference between program and project management more clearly, take this example: A local government may have an overall goal to advance safe and efficient transportation choices. Program Management and Project Management are interchangeably used by organizations to refer to various initiatives that they run. It's the management of a set of objectives that may continue indefinitely and include a long sequence of projects. Product vs Project vs Program Management. Although the principles of programme management should always apply, a key question for an organization is to decide whether a change should be managed as a programme or a project. Program managers: There’s no shortage of project management software available, but it’s helpful if you can use the same software for both project and program management. Program management is about managing longer-term endeavors that are accomplished through multiple projects. The scenario outlined above illustrates a logical path to achieving strategic goals, and your organization may follow this process naturally—without necessarily thinking about it as “program management.” If you’re choosing projects strategically, then you’re practicing the basics of program management already. One program often includes several projects. The idea that project management is needless overhead is surprisingly common. Prioritize programs and projects according to organizational goals. Product vs Project vs Program Management. The key trifecta—and balancing act—of the project manager is time, budget and quality. Evaluate a program’s real-time status automatically with red-amber-green (RAG) indicators based on the status of linked goals. Organizations with mature program management are far more successful than those without it, according to our research. Create reports and dashboards to keep your team on the same page with program needs and program status. Program management is strategic in nature, while project management is tactical in nature. Project management and program management are both important to strategy execution. • Deals with overarching goals or fulfilling the mission of the business. We use cookies to give you the best experience on our site. Project management is usually short-lived with specific time constraints while program management is an ongoing process in order to achieve the goals and objectives. Program management is entirely cross-functional, while project management focuses on a single function, or limited cross-functional alignment at best. Keep reading to find out why. Does it matter whether or not you make this distinction? Project Management vs. Typically, one or several strategic objectives are delegated to a program, and the program is tasked to deliver the benefits associated with the strategic objectives. Cookies help us deliver our services. Link programs and projects to your organization’s strategic goals. But just because your organization isn’t talking about it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not doing it (as we’ll explain!). Roll up projects into a program, so program managers can view progress toward strategic goals, and track all projects related to the program in one place. A project manager is therefore responsible for ensuring a project delivers on its intended output in line with a defined time frame and budget. You will read this article! For instance, you can: With ClearPoint it’s not about program management vs. project management; our software was designed to encompass both—and make managing, tracking, and reporting a whole lot easier than you might expect. Program management ensures sets of projects are better aligned to corporate strategies and resources are optimized across the organization with minimal conflicts that can cause delays or budget issues. As you can see, programs encompass a big-picture perspective with regard to strategy execution, while projects are the smaller, immediate tasks involved in realizing the larger vision. The answer is: sometimes. Product management software and project management software are entirely different tools — each designed for a different type of role, to help address different business needs.The key distinction: Product management software helps product managers organize, develop, and communicate the product strategy, while project management software helps project managers (and others responsible for building the product) track the execution of the strategy. Projects focus on time and budget and Programs focus on ROI and value: The primary objective of … Program management is entirely cross-functional, while project management focuses on a single function, or limited cross-functional alignment at best. This might seem like... 2. Are there many small deliverables over time? It’s also an excellent tool for program management. Program Management vs. Project Management There are many differences between program management and project management, but not many people know what they are.. Our post, What is Project Management: An A to Z Guide is an in-depth look at what project management involves.. Not look beyond that period. A program refers to multiple projects which are managed and delivered as a single package. This is … By continuing, you agree to our cookie and privacy policies. Is a program manager essentially just a glorified project manager? Program Management Program management is more than the control of a portfolio of projects. Leaders might decide to prioritize two things in relation to this goal which they believe would be most valuable to their residents: bicycle transportation and the highway system. Programs usually span a far greater duration than a project. Now that you know program and project management basics, let’s look at the difference between the two. Outlined below are the four key differences between project management and program management. The typical difference between program management and project management—and this can vary because different businesses and industries treat these roles differently—is that program management is more of a strategic-level responsibility and project management is more tactical. Program management or programme management is the process of managing several related projects, often with the intention of improving an organization's performance.In practice and in its aims, program management is often closely related to systems engineering, industrial engineering, change management, and business transformation.In the defense sector, it is the dominant approach to … Program Management vs. Project Management Program management is strategic in nature, while project management is tactical in nature. Program management is similar to running a division of an organization. Program management encompasses multiple projects, whereas project management drills down to the smallest details of a specific initiative. Some characteristics of projects are: Projects are a subset of programs. Project management plans outline the components and sub-components of the project, necessary steps, required resources, budget, and timeline. Program management may seem like it’s just managing multiple projects, but there’s more to it than that. Programs have projects, but projects don’t have programs. Program management vs project management has differences. Growing, sustaining, communicating and using knowledge. While project management is more concerned with specific project tasks and deadlines, program management is focused on strategic planning, continuous improvement, and value realization. They may sound similar but there are quite a bit of distinct differences between the two. The services it provides governance, the coordination among budget, resources, and time. To some extent they are, but it would be misleading to say that the only difference in terms of what a project manager and a program manager does is in the number of projects under their care. An example of a program might be stormwater management; some projects under that program might be to 1) repair storm drains and 2) install new backflow valves. Program management, on the other hand, is the act of creating and managing multiple projects, most of the projects are usually related to one another. Is there any real difference between PROGRAMManagement and PROJECT Management? Program management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to meet program requirements. The governance takes decisions up to two to five years periods, usually. By using our services, you agree to, Copyright 2002-2020 Simplicable. Projects are, essentially, just basic solutions to basic issues; they fill in the gaps that need to be filled. Generally speaking, a program manager has … Program management is mapping out and defining the list of dependent projects that need to be completed to reach an overall goal. 1901 N. Moore Street, Suite 502 | Arlington, VA 22209 | 866-568-0590 | [email protected], Copyright © 2020 Ascendant Strategy Management Group LLC d/b/a ClearPoint Strategy |. In smaller businesses, program management and project management may be effectively indistinguishable. If managed as a project it would have only one Project Board. Program management is similar to running a division of an organization. Program management manages the set of projects or a portfolio of projects headed by a program manager. They have a specific deliverable, such as building a new bridge or creating a database. Organize potential projects according to level of effort, impact, risks, and budget, honing in on those that will be most beneficial to the organization. An example of a project is constructing a new storefront. By continuing, you agree to our cookie policies. A lot of folks draw a line between project and program management, defining project managers as tactical task masters and program managers as strategic visionaries. Program Management vs Project Management: 5 Critical Differences 1. A project refers to a specific, singular endeavour to deliver a tangible output. Project vs. Project managers: Focus on content; Manage projects; Focus on scope, schedules, resources; Perform more technical tasks; Handle risk management; Deal with project requirements; Are responsible for ensuring projects get completed on time, within budget; Program managers: Focus on context; Manage portfolios Program management, on the other hand, is the act of creating and managing multiple projects, most of the projects are usually related to one another. Program Management Program management is more than the control of a portfolio of projects. Browse or search all Program Management content They typically don’t have a set end date; the benefits they deliver are ongoing, as is their time frame. Benefit management; Project management vs Program management. It's the management of a set of objectives that may continue indefinitely and include a long sequence of projects. Within our companies, Intel Corporation and Tektronix, Inc., program management focuses on achievement of the intended strategic business results through the coordination of multiple projects. Program Management Office. Project goals are normally short-term. It unites teams and coordinates efforts to achieve results—without it, projects can veer off deadlines and out of scope. Is this something that will be ongoing rather than something with a defined end date? Program Management shares an emphasis on delivery with Project Management but is looking at it more holistically in terms of creating an efficient delivery pipeline for multiple projects, rather than delivering a single project. If you’re unfamiliar with the term “program management” (or aren’t sure how it’s different from project management), you’re not alone. Program management vs. project management. One shortcoming of Project Management or Construction Management is their natural tendency to have limited focus within a program. You will respect my authority! Spend less time tracking and reporting and more time strategizing. Before Praxis arrived an aspiring project or program manager would have to look at several courses to learn the core skills of a competent, well-rounded manager. Report violations, Change Management vs Continuous Improvement », Project Management Isn't the Problem: Resistance To Change Is The Problem. Is there ambiguity in the expected output? Managing an initiative as a programme would require a Programme Board and two or more Project Boards. This is a broad goal and can be tackled in multiple ways. Obviously, a program manager, due to wha… That means you’re more likely to make real progress toward reaching your organization’s goals. And the better the organization, the more efficient the project or program. A program management office deals with more than one project. So, it’s a matter of volume, working across many projects, related or unrelated, against managing only one. Project management involves managing the tasks for each project individually, and ensuring they are completed on time and on budget. Admittedly, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between programs and projects. A program manager manages multiple projects, and sometimes multiple programs while a project manager manages the teams responsible for fulfilling the project and achieving its deliverables. Using the same tool for both activities reduces the work involved because it uses a single data set for reporting and analysis; it also makes it easy to see the linkage between programs, projects, and organizational goals, and track progress on everything. All rights reserved. Project management involves managing the tasks for each project individually, and ensuring they are completed on time and on budget. According to the PMBOK Guide, “A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result.”So, we can say that the nature of a project is temporary, i.e., once the project achieves its objective it exists no more, and the objective of a project is to create a unique product, or develop a system to provide you any service or is the result of any task.For instance, assuming, you have been given a project to se… Project management is about managing the details around executing a specific set of tasks with a defined purpose. Program Management vs. Project Management [Comparison] Program Management Project Management • Broader in scope; emphasis is on the big picture. While the project manager is managing multiple tasks within a project, the program manager is coordinating between related projects within a program, in order to determine which projects are working towards the same or similar goals, and which may be dependent upon others. • Narrower in scope, taking you deep into the weeds. Deadlines. Their budget is defined by the organization’s financial calendar, with new funding being supplied periodically. Sounds similar to a program manager, right? Therefore, it seems right to assume that the responsibilities of these two leadership positions would be similar. On the other hand, if you’re not thinking about projects from a big-picture perspective, it’s well worth your time to learn more about program management, and how you can implement it at your organization. Programs are Ongoing, Projects End What is a program/programme? Project Management vs Program Management Project management is the more tactical of the three. A program manager would determine the objectives of the program and define the projects needed to accomplish those objectives. They align with the organization’s larger. Program vs. Project management manage projects lead by a project manager. The budget is clearly defined at the outset. The differences must be well understood to ensure proper implementation and benefit realization to the optimum. Project management manage projects lead by a project manager. The concepts of program management vs. project management are worth understanding, as both have specific benefits that play into the success of your strategy execution efforts. Built specifically to help organizations transform strategy ideas into action, it helps tackle a number of key activities associated with program management. Program management manages the set of projects or a portfolio of projects headed by a program manager. Although both roles involve planning, leading, and monitoring, they are different. In larger organizations, they can be vastly different from one another. Program Management vs. Project Management Many business experts agree that the difference between program management and project management remains confusing for company managers as well as for candidates and hiring managers. Program management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to meet program requirements. ClearPoint is capable of helping you track hundreds of projects. There’s no denying a good project management system is the backbone of a neater, more organized project. Their completion should occur within a designated time frame. The Praxis Framework Certification is an effective, respected way to verify both your project and program management knowledge in one fell swoop. Once the programs and projects have been determined, program management involves assigning the appropriate resources to projects, and coordinating the completion of a program’s portfolio of projects. What we must recognise is that a project is a sub-set implementation of a programme.A programme is the end to end activity surrounding ONE or more projects. A project is a scheduled undertaking for the purpose of creating a product or service. The following table narrates other major differences between program and project management. Program Management shares an emphasis on delivery with Project Management but is looking at it more holistically in terms of creating an efficient delivery pipeline for multiple projects, rather than delivering a single project.