What Is a Program in Project Management?

Characteristics of programs in project management

The main characteristics of a program in project management are:

• Large: Programs deal with big, overall company goals rather than smaller targets and deliverables
• General: A project management program is general in its approach — the specific details are outlined in the projects, tasks, and subtasks
• Strategic: Programs focus on long-term objectives and the multilayered plans to achieve them

Examples of programs in project management

• Visionary: One example of a project management program could be the decision to make a multinational business entirely eco-friendly. This long-term goal would incorporate many shorter-term projects, including issuing new company guidelines, the rollout of updates across the various offices, and a marketing campaign to advertise the new principles. 
• Mandatory: Another example of a program in project management could be a merchant’s transition to an entirely electronic payment system. In Sweden, for example, the goal is to become a cashless society by 2023. This means many retail organizations have already undertaken smaller projects that contribute to the greater program goal of digital transformation.
• Emerging: Finally, a project management program could start as a small project but turn into a larger initiative. Various company projects could be dispersed or even duplicated, so establishing a program will enable managers to bring them all under one structure. 

Who manages programs in project management?

A program manager’s role is to coordinate all projects within a program to align with the strategies and long-term objectives of an organization. They oversee programs and assess deliverables to ensure that every project goal is reached. Usually, they use program management tools to help them manage everyday activities and maintain visibility and alignment across all initiatives. 

Program managers are not to be confused with project managers, who focus on the individual, short-term deliverables of specific projects.

What are the benefits of programs in project management?

A successful project management program can be invaluable to a business. The benefits include:

• Clarity: A program aligns multiple projects together towards one shared goal. This means project managers are clear on their individual deliverables and can plan their activities according to the program’s strategic objectives.
• Efficiency: In the program management process, a collection of projects is housed in one place. Program managers can use project management software to oversee progress for all projects at a glance and prioritize resources accordingly.
• Risk management: By enabling project managers to communicate pain points as they arise, a set of best practices can be established to identify similar risks early and avoid repeating mistakes.

Further reading:

• The 4th Phase of Project Management: Interview with Peter Taylor (Video)
• 3 Ways to Create Your Project Manager Calendar
• 8 Project Management Infographics You Have to See