Program Manager VS Project Manager

A project manager and a program manager sound like the same, isn’t it? Their titles sound like same but their responsibilities and jobs are not the same. This is simply because “Projects” and “Programs” are very diverse things.

Though sometimes program managers and project managers share similar responsibilities, there are key differences between them.

So, if you’re thinking project manager/program manager as your future career or want to know details about the responsibilities/roles of a project manager and program manager, this article is for you.

Before knowing the similarities and differences between project managers and program managers, we have to know what is a program and a project.

Project vs Program.

What is the definition of a program and project?

In simple words, a project is a provisional work, with a finite start and conclusion, that is engrossed in creating a unique product, service, invention, result or merchandise. on the other hand, a program is a collection of projects that prerequisite to be accomplished and coordinated together.

To straighten out the two terms, it’s helpful to think of programs as being the long-term bigger duties, and projects as being shorter phases that have a finite deadline.

So, while projects could go on for days, months, or even years, but they do have a finite deadline, and they involve a combined determination towards single productivity. They’re usually manufactured around restraints such as time, budget and capitals. On the other hand, a program has a defined end-line, where all related project working together for getting long time output. At the end of a project, you will get a defined outcome. For example, if you deliver a website, application or product you will get a fixed outcome. On the other hand, the outcome of a program is quite different. The benefits of a program could be the goal of a company. Program is a longer-term strategy and maybe constant without a defined end date.

Finally, we can say a project is a surrounded task with a defined duration, and a program is a collection of projects that subsidize to the long-term goal of a company.

Definition of a program manager

A program manager manages several related projects from a high level making sure that the right work is moving between the right projects at the right points in time. The program manager duty is all about the strategic plan. One of the program manager’s significant roles is to make sure all of the different project workstreams are all working together towards the predominant goal of the company. A program manager will need to know about project risks and budget.

Responsibilities of A Program Manager

I. Delivering a successful program outcome will be the overarching company goal

II. Managing multiple projects

III. Sometimes have to manage multiple project managers

IV. Overseeing multiple projects

V. Have to know the risk of projects and details of the budget

VI. They need to provide feedback to project leads

VII. Archive program documents and have to close financial contracts

A successful program manager is mainly a strategic thinker. They’re also a good delegator, correspondent, they also know which area they have to give priority first; they don’t have time to get dangled up on the grainy details. Above all, their organization skills need to be pinpoint perfect.

Definition of A Project Manager

Project managers oversee the processes of individual projects within programs. Things such as budgets, resources, pillories, and schedules all fall under their responsibility. Project managers also manage topics, risks, possibilities, changes, and members of the working team. Project managers make their verdicts based on the program plans, then statement their development to the program manager. And when the project is finished, it’s their job to check it a success or failure, provide feedback to the program manager, and library project documents.

Responsibilities of A Project Manager

I. Focus on execution and managing the functional activities

II. Meeting deadlines

III. Staying within budget

IV. Delegating budget

V. Completing product deliveries

Who is the best? Program Manager or Project Manager? Let’s find the answer.

The program manager role is like a movie director. They’ll take care of the overall story, delivery and look of the film. But they’ll also need to have a team of makeup artists, set designers, lighting technicians, cinematographers, gaffers, and runners all dealing with their own exclusive set of highly specific tasks that all underwrite to the director’s overall vision and want to make a successful movie. If the directors are the program managers, then his/her core team members are the project managers. If program managers are architects, then project managers are painters, plumbers.

So, you can’t deny anyone’s responsibilities. Despite having different day-to-day responsibilities, both program managers and project managers are important for a company.

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