Programme and project management
The term programme management is closely aligned with the term project management, but the two have slightly differing meanings. Another related term is also portfolio and management
Programme management refers to the management of a series of interrelated projects that may be carried out repeatedly or continuously in order to support an ongoing process. The outcome of a programme may be intangible and the projects may change over time as the programme evolves. The process of business improvement may be considered to be a programme, as it is continuous, changing, and the outcomes may be difficult to define. Programmes will tend to be integral to the businesses carrying them out and will generally run in line with the business calendar.
Project management is usually more specific and can involve the briefing, planning, co-ordination, execution, control, monitoring, and completing of the specific project. The project can be almost anything that has a defined outcome, usually with a defined delivery process. In construction terms this can be a temporary, or permanent building, landscape, refurbishment or reconfiguration that has been defined as the project.
Portfolios are groups of projects that need not be related, but which have been packaged together, portfolio management relates to the development and delivery of the various projects, targetting the efficient use of resources.
See also programme management, project management and programme V project.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- CIOB articles,
- Code of Practice for Programme Management in the Built Environment. Second edition.
- Code of Practice for Project Management for the Built Environment, 6th edition.
- Design management.
- Portfolio v programme.
- Preliminary business case.
- Project execution plan.
- Project management.
- Risk management.
- Value management.
Featured articles and news
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.