PMConnection - Project vs Program vs Portfolio; Processes, Tools and Certifications

Projects, Programs, Portfolios, Oh My!!

How do projects, programs and portfolios relate?

This can be answered by two examples and a few links.

Example 1: A Picture

Example 2: A Table

	Project	Program	Portfolio
Definitions	Project - A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. PMBOK 2013 pg. 553	Program - A group of related projects, subprograms and program activities managed in a coordinated way to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually. PMBOK 2013 pg. 553	Portfolio - Projects, programs, subportfolios, and operations managed as a group to achieve strategic objectives PMBOK 2013 pg. 551
Process Standards by PMI	PMBOK®	The Standard for Program Management	The Standard for Portfolio Management
Process Certifications	PMP® Prince2	PgMP® MSP®	PfMP®
Tools by Microsoft	Microsoft Project	Microsoft Project Server*	Microsoft Project Server*
Tool Certifications	Test - Exam 74-343: Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013 Book - Ultimate Study Guide: Foundations Microsoft Project 2013	Test - Exam 74-344: Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013 Book 1 - Implementing and Administering Microsoft Project Server 2013 Book 2 - Microsoft Project Server 2013 Managing Projects and Portfolios	Test - Exam 74-344: Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013 Book 1 - Implementing and Administering Microsoft Project Server 2013 Book 2 - Microsoft Project Server 2013 Managing Projects and Portfolios

*Can be configured to manage multiple independent projects, programs, or portfolios.

If you are new to Project Management, this may be a little over-whelming. If you are PMP certified and think you have reached the pinnacle of project management, think again. You may find "You're not in Kansas anymore!!"