Key Differences

Difference Between Project and Program

July 3, 2017 By Surbhi S 1 Comment

A single use plan is one that

is used only once and then it is cancelled. It is framed as per the requirements of
a particular situation or goal and is discarded, on reaching the goal. Budgets,
schedules, projects and programs are some of the examples of single-use plans.
A project can be described as one-off operation, that has certain objectives and
required to be met within stipulated time.

A project differs from a program in the sense that the latter is a bundle of
related projects, managed in a coordinated manner, to attain the benefits, which
is available only when the projects are managed in groups. There are many
students who misconstrue project for the program, so here, in this article, we will
explain the difference between project and program.

Content: Project Vs Program

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion
Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
PROJECT PROGRAM
COMPARISON

Meaning A project refers to A program implies

the temporary a set of projects
activity, which is which are linked
undertaken to create to one another, in
a distinct product or a sequential
service, that has manner to attain
certain objectives. the combined
benefits.

Focus on Content Context

Time horizon Short term Long term

Concerned Specific deliverables, Benefits received

with i.e. product or
service

Functional Single Multiple

units

Tasks Technical in nature Strategic in

nature

Produces Output Outcome

Success Success can be Success is

measured in terms measured by the
of product quality, extent to which
timeliness, cost program meets
effectiveness, out the needs and
compliance and benefits, for
degree of customer which it was
satisfaction. conducted.
Definition of Project

The term project can be defined as one-time undertaking, to create a new product
or service, having a certain beginning and ending point. It is an organisational
unit which is explicitly dedicated to the pursuance of a goal, i.e. satisfactory
accomplishment of developing a product in time, within the budget, in
accordance with the desired performance level.

A project comprises a set of routine and interlinked activities, with a goal, which
has a definite goal and requires to be completed with a stipulated time and
resources. The projects may vary regarding size, i.e. small, medium, large and
very large. After the accomplishment of the project, a final product is received.
The basic features of a project are:

 It has a purpose.
 It is unique.
 It is time bound.
 It is undertaken by a team.
 It is dynamic in nature.

Definition of Program

The program can be defined as a framework of plans of work, which comprises of

a set of projects that are complementary to one another and aligned in proper
sequence to achieve economies of scale. Projects are grouped into a single
program when the resultant benefit of the collection supersedes the benefits of
managing individual projects. It consists of various projects which are started to
reach organisational goals.

It is undertaken to improve the overall performance of the organisation, as it is

related to business process re-engineering, change management, etc.
Implementation of programs requires laying down of policies, procedures and
methods, in a coordinated manner.

Key Differences Between Project and Program

The differences between project and program can be drawn clearly on the
following grounds:
 1. The temporary activity, which is carried out to create a distinct product or
service, that has specified objectives, is called project. A bundle of projects
which are linked to one another, rationally to attain the combined benefits,
is called program.
2. While the project is content-specific, which focuses on delivering the
required result. Conversely, a program is context-specific, which links
different projects that are related to each other so as to achieve the ultimate
goal of the organisation.
3. A project is distinct and is for specified duration. On the other extreme, a
program is everlasting and executed in the business to continuously obtain
the results of the entity.
4. A project deals with specific deliverables, whereas a program is concerned
with the benefits received, from implementing it.
5. The scope of the program is wider in comparison to the project, the project
works on a single functional unit, while the program works on various
functional units.
6. The tasks performed by the project manager, to complete the project are
technical in nature. On the contrary, the tasks performed to implement the
program successfully, are strategic in nature.
7. There is a generation of specific output which is demanded by the project.
In contrast, the program produces the general outcomes which are
necessary for the growth and survival of the organisation in the long run.
8. One can measure the effectiveness of the project by evaluating the product
quality, timeliness, cost efficiency, compliance and degree of customer
satisfaction. As opposed, to measure the effectiveness of the program, one
needs to check whether it fulfils the needs and benefits, for which it was
implemented.
Conclusion

The project is undertaken to deliver the required output in a given time, which is
also cost effective. On the other hand, programs are implemented by the
organisation to get the benefit of synergy. While the project is all about doing the
things right, the program is all about doing the right things.
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Filed Under: Business

Comments

1. Bruce Fulton says

July 17, 2018 at 9:23 pm

Projects should have outcomes that can evaluated. No grant maker today will
consider funding a project that doesn’t identify outcomes and measures in
addition to outputs. This is the Logic Model approach that should be applied to
projects to assure that projects are strategic and meet goals through objectives
that will result in positive outcomes.

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