

Yet, there are multiple differences among the roles both play in their individual position. On a general note, it looks that both program and project managers share similar responsibilities. The following table narrates other major differences between program and project management. Project management manage projects lead by a project manager. Program management manages the set of projects or a portfolio of projects headed by a program manager. In general, the key difference between program and project management is: Program Management vs Project Management: While working with a program he should work with the appropriate program managers to ensure the project management documents are aligned with program documents.ĭepending upon the organization structure project manager will report to the Project Management Office (PMO) or a portfolio of a program manager who is accountable for one or more organization's projects and when the project is within the program or portfolio. He/She is accountable for the development and maintenance of the project business case document. In a broader sense, according to PMBOK 6th Edition, Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.Īccording to PMBOK 6th edition, the project manager is the person assigned by the performing organization to lead the team that is responsible for achieving the project objectives. Project management is all about managing the assigned project within the given constraints. It is carefully planned to achieve desired/planned product, result or service. The project as we know is a temporary and unique initiative taken up by any individual or an organization. The performance of the program has a direct impact on the organizations’ financial health. The program manager must possess knowledge of organizations' monetary strategies. Direct the reporting project managers for the successful completion of all the assigned projects on time and within budget. Mentoring the key resources to enhance performance. He has to ensure the master plans are followed, to develop solutions to program challenges. The person accountable or assigned by the organization to manage a program OR a set of projects is a Program Manager.Ī program manager is generally managing multiple projects at a time as shown in the figure below. Measuring and ensuring the planned benefit of the program Managing program risks that may impact the multiple projects under the programĪllocating the program budget to all the projects Managing interdependencies among the program components It is to determine the optimal approach for managing them.Īctions related to but not limited to program management may include:Īllocating program scope into program components Hence certain project management roles will also be part of program management.Īccording to PMBOK 6th edition, program management focuses on interdependencies within projects and between projects and the program level. A program irrespective of the domain, structure or outcome shall comprise of several projects. Program management is the process of managing several related projects, often with the intention of improving an organization's performance and meet the market competition. They are operated in a coordinated way to gain benefits not obtainable from operating them independently. Program Management:Ī program is defined as a group of related projects, subsidiary programs, and program activities. Here, an attempt is been made to draw a line between the programs and projects along with the key responsibilities managed by the project managers and the program manager giving a brief on the roles they play in the respective assignment. If required all projects or programs are undertaken as a single portfolio based on the type of projects planned. They can also be grouped under a few programs assigned to a program manager.

These projects are executed as individual projects headed by the project managers. It is understood that most of the companies take up and implement multiple projects at a time based on their business needs and market trends. A sound project management practice keeps any organization stays ahead in the competition.
