AProgrammes group unrelated projects, whereas portfolios contain only related ones
BPortfolios are always smaller in scope than programmes
CProgrammes follow strategic objectives while portfolios operate independently of strategy
DProgrammes manage a set of related projects, while portfolios provide oversight of all projects and programmes across the organisation
EThe two terms are interchangeable
✓ Correct answer: D. Programmes manage a set of related projects, while portfolios provide oversight of all projects and programmes across the organisationA programme brings together related projects managed in a coordinated way, while a portfolio encompasses the full collection of change initiatives — related and unrelated — across the organisation.
Why the other options are incorrect:
• Programmes group unrelated projects, whereas portfolios contain only related ones: It is portfolios that can contain unrelated projects; programmes are specifically concerned with related projects.
• Portfolios are always smaller in scope than programmes: Portfolios may be larger or smaller than programmes depending on the size and strategic scope of the organisation.
• Programmes follow strategic objectives while portfolios operate independently of strategy: Both programmes and portfolios are aligned to an organisation's strategic objectives.
• The two terms are interchangeable: There are clear and meaningful distinctions between a programme and a portfolio in project management practice.
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Theory