Product, Program and Project Management comparison

Product Management

Program Management

Project Management

Definition 

The process of developing and managing a product from ideation to launch 

The process of managing a group of related projects that together achieve a specific business objective 

The process of managing a specific project from initiation to closure 

Scope  

Focused on individual products 

Focused on a group of related programs 

Focused on a specific projects

Goal 

Develop and deliver a successful product that meets customer needs and drives business growth 

Ensure the successful delivery of a program that achieves a specific business objective 

Ensure the successful delivery of a specific project that meets scope, time, and budget constraints 

Timeframe 

Typically involves shorter timeframes and more rapid iterations  

Involves longer timeframes and requires more extensive planning and coordination 

Involves a defined start and end date, with a specific timeline 

Team 

Works closely with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and marketing 

Oversees multiple project teams and manages dependencies and relationships across teams 

Leads and manages a specific project team 

Metrics 

Measures success based on factors such as product adoption, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth  

Measures success based on factors such as program completion, achievement of business objectives, and stakeholder satisfaction  

Measures success based on factors such as project completion within scope, time, and budget constraints 

Skills  

Requires a combination of strategic thinking, market research, and project management skills  

Requires strong leadership, communication, and program management skills  

Requires strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring and control