If you’re considering a business leadership role, it’s likely you’ve entertained the idea of operations management or project management. Although both professions focus on oversight in pursuit of a business objective, operations management and project management are two distinct roles. Here, we examine the difference between operations management and project management, the common ground between the two positions, and some considerations for these professions. Show What is Project Management?According to the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition, project management professionals oversee organizational projects, determining the scope and objectives, planning the project stages, managing the execution, and closing the project. Resources are typically allocated to the project for a fixed duration, and the project manager is responsible for coordinating those resources to ensure the project is executed correctly, on time and in budget. What is Operations Management?Operations management ensures the business’ overall operations continuously run efficiently, delivering for customers in the most efficient manner possible. Operations managers oversee the core business process that transforms an input into an output. For example, an operations manager in an automobile factory would supervise the production of the vehicle; an operations manager in a business services organization would oversee account management practices. Unlike projects, these processes generally do not have an end date, as they are core to the business and therefore, continuous. Project Management vs. Operations ManagementIt’s important to understand that the difference between project management and business management is the focus. A project is a temporary undertaking, with a fixed start and end date to innovate a new outcome, whereas an operation is outside the scope of a project, according to the PMBOK® Guide, fixed and focused on efficiency. The desired results for project management will be unique to each project; however, an operations manager’s focus does not change. What Operations Management and Project Management Have in CommonOperations management and project management can align and intersect. According to a 2018 research paper published by the IEOM Society, half of the respondents agreed that there is a “strong” or “very strong” alliance between project management and operations management. Some potential overlap includes:
In these instances, project managers and operations managers must collaborate to share deliverables and knowledge to ensure positive outcomes for the business. More broadly, these roles are also similar in that they have one individual at the helm, they requiring extensive planning and oversight, and they are often combatting limited resources. The Difference Between Operations and Project ManagementOperations management strives to deliver the same product but to continuously improve the process that provides or creates that product or output. Features of operations management include:
Project management strives to cultivate change in the organization, whether that is meeting customer demands or innovating a new offering. Features of project management include:
Operations Manager vs. Project Manager: Which is Right For You?These two roles do share some common traits; however, it is essential for aspiring professionals to consider the skills and expectations for each. Operations managers should seek routine and stability, and possess specialized skills to help refine a repeatable work cycle. Your planning cycle will typically be established annually, determined by departmental budgets and scheduled events. Project managers should seek a more dynamic environment that starts and stops with each new project. Your team members may ebb and flow, and your work can pioneer new processes and deliverables without organizational precedent. Project managers should possess generalist skills to support cross-functional teams, and will work on shorter, project-based planning cycles under constraints from cost, time and scope, as well as estimated budgets as opposed to pre-planned, fixed budgets. Both professions require several core skills, including:
Roles and Responsibilities
Project managers are responsible for:
Education Requirements Many project managers distinguish themselves from the competition by earning additional credentials, such as the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, which signals to potential employers that you are knowledgeable about project management as a discipline. Advanced degrees, such as an MBA in Project Management, along with hands-on experience can also help you stand out to potential employers. Operations managers often distinguish themselves with graduate degrees, such as a Master’s in Business Administration, along with real-world experience. Job Growth and Salary Businesses are looking to increase their bottom line through innovation and efficiency, and as a result, both project management and operations management jobs are expected to grow. With ample opportunities in both fields, the determining factor is your own interests. PMBOK and PMP are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. Improve Article
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1. Project Management : 2. Operation Management : Difference between Project Management and Operation Management :
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