Program Management

While there is a strong link between programs and projects, it is important to understand the differences in order to correctly identify program management.

Program management is strategic in nature and often deals with ‘the unknown’. It is highly cross-functional and integrates individual elements of related projects in order to achieve a broader business value.

A program usually involves a series of projects. These projects are managed by project managers while the program is managed by a program manager. Project management and program management techniques are then used in association.

Some of the differences between programs and projects include the following:

Programs

• Normally large with complex threads of work
• There is a vision of the outcome but no clearly defined path to get there
• The path is discovered gradually and projects are often formed along the way to deliver specific outputs
• Usually require major strategic level investments
• An example is a 'Productivity Improvement Program'

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