Programs Vs Projects: 23 Differences !

Programs Vs Projects

                                                        Differences Between Programs and Projects

                               Programs                                  Projects
Program is a collective set of multiple projects Project is well-defined set of specific activities. Usually represents a single objective
It has series of projects mostly inter-linked with each other It goes single-handedly
The components of programs are projects The components of projects are smaller tasks/activities
It has a bigger team to look at things holistically Small group of people working together
It tends to be of longer duration for years It is comparatively smaller/shorter in duration
It is planned to be accomplished in different stages Usually accomplished in single phase
It produces outcome It produces outputs within a defined time frame
Comparatively less strict in context to time Strictness in duration of start and end of the project and has definite time frame
Objectives may not be crystal clear and some of the objectives may vary in due course of time Objectives are crystal clear and are well-defined at all levels
It is based on broad vision and mission Based on certain goals and objectives
It has multiple stakeholders of diverse field Limited number of stakeholders
Complexity and variation in the availability of resources Easy to identify the resources needed
Programs has more strategic planning Projects may not require strategic planning
Top level staffs and higher officials are involved in designing the programs Projects are designed by the mid-level staffs
It has several functional units Has single functional unit
Involves high level of complexity and uncertainty Less complex and lower uncertainty
Runs on the basis of organization calendar and timeline It has its own timeline
It has more financial complications and hectic budgetary processes It has fixed budget. Thus, less financial complications
It is vulnerable to major changes in the market and country policies Less vulnerable to market changes and country policies
Program is the head of the projects which makes sure that projects are running as per the plan of the head (program) Project is the base for programs
Program runs/gives rise to project Project can be part of the program
Success of the program is determined by the ability to fulfill the needs of the beneficiaries Success of project is determined by its quality, time and resource management
It is less organized compared to projects Highly organized in all aspects

References:

https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-project-and-a-program

http://www.independent-consulting-bootcamp.com/difference-between-a-project-and-a-program.html

http://pmtips.net/blog-new/difference-projects-programmes

http://www.expertprogrammanagement.com/2009/05/difference-between-projects-and-programs/

http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/PDF_Papers/P078_Programs_Projects_Full_Paper.pdf

https://resources.workfront.com/project-management-blog/differences-between-program-management-and-project-management

https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-differences-between-project-program-and-portfolio-management

http://www.proj-mgt.com/PMC_Program_vs_Project.htm

https://leadingstrategicinitiatives.com/2010/10/25/a-concise-guide-to-the-differences-between-programs-and-projects/

http://www.ims-web.com/blog/the-difference-between-project-management-and-program-management

https://www.geniusproject.com/blog/about/the-difference-between-project-portfolio-and-program-management/

http://management.simplicable.com/management/new/program-management-vs-project-management

http://www.aurecongroup.com/en/thinking/thinking-papers/how-does-programme-management-differ-from-project-management.aspx

http://www.aurecongroup.com/en/thinking/thinking-papers/how-does-programme-management-differ-from-project-management.aspx

http://www.foodsresourcebank.org/what-difference-between-projects-and-programs

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-difference-plan-project-program-725155

http://hrishikeshkarekar.com/2012/02/differences-between-projects-programs-and-portfolio/

https://www.bayt.com/en/specialties/q/146582/what-is-the-difference-between-project-planning-and-programme-planning/

http://www.onedesk.com/project-vs-program-management/

http://www.projectaccelerator.co.uk/what-is-the-difference-between-project-programme-and-portfolio-risk-management/

 

About Kusum Wagle 216 Articles
Hello and greetings everyone! I am Kusum Wagle, MPH, WHO-TDR Scholar, BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health, Bangladesh. I have gained profound experiences in public health sector under different thematic areas of health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, research etc., targeting diverse audience of different age groups. I have performed diverse roles ranging from lecturer in the public health department of colleges, nutrition coordinator, research coordinator and consultant, in different programs, projects and academic institutions of Nepal. I also hold immense experience in working closely and persistently with government organizations, non-government organizations, UN agencies, CSOs and other stakeholders at the national and sub-national level. I have successfully led and coordinated different projects involving multi-sector participation and engagement. Moreover, I am also regularly involved in the development of different national health related programs and its guidelines.