What's the Difference between Projects and Programs? - or Project Management and Program Management?

Projects and Programs are similar… but different. And so are Project Management and Program Management. Let’s see what those differences are.

In simple terms, programs tend to be bigger, more complex, and less certain than projects. As a result, Program Managers tend to be more senior and more experienced professionals. The challenge for them is to throw out some of their drive towards control and certainty, and to embrace a mindset of cultivated uncertainty and flexibility.

Recommended Videos
Carefully curated video recommendations for you:
🎬 What is Project Management?
🎬 What is Program Management?
🎬 Project Management 101: Beginner's Guide to Project Management
🎬 Program Management 101: Your Introductory Guide to Program Management
🎬 A Short History of Project Management: Project Management Timeline

🎒 A while back, I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list.
Note that the links are affiliated.

⏱ Chapter Markers...

#ProgramManagement #ProjectManagement

[Onlinepmcourses]

It's a common point of confusion: the difference between projects and programs; project management and program management. I will give you a line-by-line comparison.

[nlamb]

@Onlinepmcourses Thanks Mike for the explanation! But would a WBS be used for program management? If not what would be the tool used to efficiently mange the tasks/activities of the program?

[dagwould]

The difference between projects and programs is domain dependent. In one of the domains I work in, human services; a project is a capability enabler: it is to create a thing, a skill set, some infrastructure that will then enable an organisation to operate at a higher or different level of capability. A program on the other hand is a cyclical set of actions that deploy known capability to serve a continuous throughput of a defined customer base to effect a defined result. Most government initiatives are delivered in 'programs'. People apply to be served by the program, obtain service, and leave the program, while others join. In most programs, the line of customers either never ends, or if it does end, it will recur. In short, the program delivers the capability that the project enables.
In defense or large infrastructure, the terms are used as per Mike's explanation.

[Sali]

Practical comparison to the point better the hefty literature