Programme Management is more than just Project Management, and much more important for any change programme. This is why companies may outsource a Programme Management team that will integrate into their own, providing support throughout. But what is the difference between Programme and Project Management?
Let’s deal with Project Management first. By definition a project is "an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim”. Therefore, Project Management is focused on managing the execution of this single output or solution.
Compare this to a programme which is "a set of related measures or activities with a particular long-term aim". Programme Management is much more than just managing more projects. The aim of a programme is to purposely organise and deliver the most appropriate strategy and solution, and to achieve the desired change or outcome for the client. This is completed by best utilising all resources, time and expenditure in order to realise the maximum benefits.
In many cases clients start by thinking it’s a grand change project or intervention, then quickly, as the programme builds through its interactions with internal and external stakeholders, it soon becomes an important change vehicle for the company.
Let’s take an example from the music and entertainment industry: a single live music event would be an example of a project however managing the delivery of a festival would relate more to a programme outline. A festival demands the same as a gig however across multiple stages and platforms, plus considering food and drink vendors, structural engineers, health and safety officers, local authorities, and the list goes on.
Programme Management requires a wider range of skills as well as demanding a much higher level of coordination and communication, this means a more strategic approach is required. Projects will flow and overlap throughout a programme, usually allowing less rigid deadlines and budgets however this will vary between companies depending on their requirements, scope, and desired outcome.
That's exactly what we do at Midmer Ltd; we work with our clients to help deliver their vision and mission; we're not commission orientated and build robust trusting relationships to deliver their change programmes. Call us to discuss how we can help you with your next programme.
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