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April 2005 FAQ:
Question: We hear the terms Project Office and Program Office used interchangeably. Are they the same?
Answer:
Not in our book, they aren’t. As the figure below shows, we see them alike in some respects, including that both structures have a mission to increase “Cooperation and Coordination” among projects along with conserving resources, removing conflict, etc.
We see Project offices being formed to manage a set of projects that may or may not already be initiated … the goal being to bring unity and cooperation as the projects run their courses.
We see a Program Office as an arm of leadership designed to create projects as needed to take a company to a particular destination. As a part of project initiation, the projects are aligned in scope and direction to ensure they contribute to the company’s direction to its goal or vision. And in some cases, the first function of the Program Office may be to help the leadership of the firm clarify its direction or vision so that it is possible to envision the needed initiatives to get there.
Just take a look at the figure and see the difference. Which one does your company need and at what level? Good luck!
Project Office (PO)
- Theme: Cooperation and Coordination
Program Management Office (PMO)
- Theme: Direction and Alignment awa cooperation/coordination
By: Dutch Holland, Ph.D.
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Dutch Holland, CEO of HDI, has worked as a management consultant for 30 years, helping organizations and leaders manage and implement change successfully. And if you enjoyed this short article, you'll love his new book, Red Zone Management: Changing the Rules for Pivotal Times (Dearborn Trade, Chicago, Fall 2001, released with new cover by WinHope Press (Houston) October 2004). Check your local bookstores or read a review at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com! Contact Dutch at 713.877.8130.
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