Can you share the most comprehensive summary you've seen about the difference in roles and standard work of program / portfolio / project managers and directors? I'm finding the similar summary descriptions, but am looking for something more detailed to compare to a couple of role descriptions against to confirm if they are appropriately aligned with the titles. Saving Changes...
You can download PMI's Competency Development Framework as they do provide information in that for "standard" PM roles. However, I will say that the accountabilities vary widely by company and industry.
* Project management involves the planning, coordination, and oversight of a specific project.
* Program management involves managing related projects in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually.
*Portfolio management involves managing every company’s proposal, project, or program, evaluating its potential to achieve business goals, in order to accomplish broader strategic objectives. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The problem is, except for portfolio, project and program roles are too similar. But just in case you decide to adhere to PMI way of view of roles then my recommendation is following @Kiron comment above. Saving Changes...
Eric ScherOwner| Gravel Doctor of OhioOh, United States
I think language is a problem, with different people having different ideas about what words mean.
But...
Broadly speaking, it's about how broad your responsibility is and to an extent the nature of your duties. If you'll forgive the over-simplified analogy:
Project Manager = Sergeant
Program Manager = Captain
Portfolio Manager = General
That's my opinion, which might be worth as much as you paid for it. ;) Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Samantha,
there are general definitions like those Kiron pointed to or from APM/UK.
In practice, countries and industries have different views on the roles, so it is good to inform yourself if you enter a new country or industry.
My own simple distinction is that project managers deliver scope in the form of deliverables, program managers deliver benefits in the form of outcomes from using deliverables and portfolio managers oversee the range of projects and assignment of available resources (money, people, attention etc) to them.
