Program management is a strategic oversight function responsible for consistently delivering large-scale initiatives. Program managers must maintain a strategic plan and schedule for their programs, inform and advise stakeholders, review the status and progress of each project, mentor project managers, and safeguard the quality of each project plan and its deliverables. Smaller companies may view it as a luxury, but for larger organizations, program management often provides essential value by coordinating individual projects while applying a strategic lens.
Another benefit is a consistent level of governance and application of standards across multiple projects. With one point of oversight, project statuses are easily rolled up for a global view; this allows baseline quality requirements to be evenly and equally enforced. Program management is also where overall budget management occurs.
Program management is a strategic management approach to executing and controlling multiple related projects. With ProjectManager’s online suite of program management tools, you can make the right decisions for yourself and your organization.
Program management, or program management, deals with a group of related projects, while project management only involves one project. Programs tend to be larger, and more general, and the driving strategy is long-term.
Programs are created from a business high-level view, while projects are much more specific. A program plan is meant to achieve the strategic goals and business objectives of organizations. They have flexible deadlines and seek long-term benefits.
Programs are a persistent exercise, while projects have defined start and end dates, which are aligned with the project plan. Achieving the strategic plan and strategic vision of a corporation usually requires long-term programs that contain various individual projects. The program governance and program management plan define how those projects will be executed.