We tend to define Programme Management as managing a number of individual business projects or initiatives, whereas Project Management is management of a single but entire project. A project can be defined as a problem scheduled for solution. Project management means we define the job, plan the work to be done, and control the work according to plan. 2K's Computing Ltd has an experienced Programme and Project Manager that has delivered a number of complex Programmes and Projects for a number of Retailers.

As the Programme Manager it is key to deliver day-to-day management for the Programme. The Programme Manager will advise on the resolution of problems. 

We primarily see the key objectives of the Programme Management to be:

• To establish the Programme's KPI's and key objectives.
• To monitor the various project managers, business managers and supplier project managers in order to deliver the Programme on time and to budget.
• To manage the overall budget whilst ensuring that costs are monitored
• To provide Quality Assurance for the Programme
• To design and manage the communication plan
• To provide admin resource as appropriate and if required.
   

A Programme Manager plays a strategic part in any company which has a number of projects happening at any one time. The main responsibility of a Programme Manager is to co-ordinate the overall delivery of projects and act as a key escalation point.

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A Project Manager takes responsibility for planning and managing to deliver a project. A project plan is a document that includes the starting point, Milestones, the process for achieving the goal, and anything else that will help the project be successful. There are a number of things that need to be managed in a project, including the scope of the project, key milestones and a realistic end date, including deciding when work will start, what times and what job is done each day or hour, managing costs, managing human resources, communication, including who needs to know what information, and how to keep track of it all. A Project Manager should also come up with contingency plans in case of the unexpected. If appropriate then this would also include managing the procurement process including figuring out what needs to be purchased and when, how to handle contracts and invoices and third parties involved in the project.