Program Management vs. Project Management

While the names are similar, there are several distinct differences between program management vs. project management; you must first understand the difference between the two. 

Program Management or Project Management?

A program is a large project that is comprised of several smaller projects that are dependent on each other. Since these programs are so large, they are often managed by a group of people, with projects and tasks delegated across team members. Some major functions of launching a successful program might include planning execution, outlining objectives, managing operations, and producing reports about individual projects. Generally speaking, when a large group of projects becomes more manageable when they are grouped together, they are merged into one single project. 

A project is generally smaller in scope and frequently come with date and resource or cost constraints. Project goals are generally short term, where a program's objectives are focused on carrying out a companywide mission or some form of an overarching goal to support other programs. 

Now that we have outlined the difference between a program and a project. Let's discuss the differences between program management vs. project management. 

Program Management

A program manager has to focus on conveying the goals and objectives of the program and how it will impacts the business. Program management is defining and mapping out the list of dependent projects that need to be finished to reach an overall goal. When it comes to the program, a program manager has to focus their energy on strategy and implementation and project delegation as needed. 

The program manager has the overarching skill and finesses to appropriately oversee and support project-level activity that ensures that the goals are met individually. This level of oversight is difficult on the project level alone, so having an overarching manager that can control the flow and progress of multiple projects. Together this allows the goals of the program to be completed with a lessened level of difficulty and improved efficiency. The program manager may also be tasked with finding leadership for individual projects that fall under the umbrella of the overall project. This allows the Project Manager to build out their ideal team to work efficiently and fluidly to accomplish their common goal. 

Program Managers generally have a history of success as project managers. Usually speaking, Program Managers have a plethora of experience and a strong portfolio of achievement and success. These managers are usually well versed in everything from handling individual tasks to delegating responsibilities and building out budgets on the project level. 

Top Skills of a Successful Program Manager

Leadership - is a bit of a challenging skill that some believe is a trait. However, many individuals learn to develop leadership skills as they move into new roles. This skill takes time to learn and is one that generally is built upon. While there may be a few people who are naturals at leadership, many fantastic leaders had to learn the skill. 

Communication - This is a skill that generally comes hand in hand with leadership. Without being an effective communicator, it is impossible to be a great leader. At the same time, communication as a skill in some industries is not a major priority. Program Management demands high-level communicative abilities that encourage growth and efficiency in the organization.

Project Management

Where the Program Manager is the overarching visionary for all of the individual projects. The Project Manager is the one that steps up to ensure that all of the individual tasks and goals of the project are accomplished in a timely manner. Managing these operations is one of the essential duties when it comes to the success of the overarching program. The Project Manager actively works to coordinate time, budget, and other resources that the project may need to be to succeed. They report directly to the Program manager and keep them apprised of all the individual operations and their success. They're also responsible for the project outcome, so they have a more intense focus on what's happening on the unique project that they're managing. 

So a Project Manager typically manages one or multiple projects. Their focus in the project life cycle has to deal with the project's scope, schedule, and resources. For many, this position is an excellent opportunity to show the skills and strengths they possess in management and accomplish group tasks. By actively working and demonstrating that they have the skills to drive progress and deliver results, they can quickly develop a portfolio with an active record of success. 

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While there are many similarities between the two roles in a company and the different scopes in which they perform their duties. There are still several distinct differences between the two fields. To summarize, Project Management falls under the supervision of a Program Manager.

While the Project Manager may supervise several employees working to accomplish the same task. The program manager generally supervises a few different Project Managers and report to the higher levels of leadership within their organization. In this regard, the Program Manager can and does act as a liaison for their team and the organization leadership to accomplish the goals needed to improve the company and accomplish their goals.