IST-Project Management vs. Change Management, What is the difference?
This chart explains the differences between Project Management, Change Management, and Change Leadership, all of which are important for making sure projects and changes in an organization are successful. Project Management focuses on planning, organizing, and completing projects on time and within budget. Change Management is about helping people adjust to new ways of doing things and making sure the change sticks. Change Leadership provides the vision and motivation to lead people through the change. Together, these roles help ensure both the technical and people sides of change are handled effectively.
| Project Management | Change Management | Change Leadership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Application of skills, tools, and techniques to meet specific objectives. Involves planning, executing, and closing projects. | Preparing, equipping and supporting people to successfully adopt and sustain change. | Serving as the driving force, vision, and inspiration needed to lead and motivate people through the change. |
| Key Summary | Technical (Delivery) | People (Implementation) | Vision (Guidance) |
| Focus | Primarily involved with the “what” and “how” of achieving project goals | Concerned with how people will transition from the current to the future state. | Ensuring that the university’s culture and people are aligned with the change vision. |
| Examples of Activities | *Defining project goals and objectives. *Developing project plans, schedules, and budgets. *Assigning tasks and resources. *Monitoring and controlling project progress. *Managing risks, issues, and modifications to the project scope. *Closing the project and reviewing outcomes. | *Assessing the impact of change. *Developing change management plans (eg. communication, training, and resistance management). *Engaging stakeholders and managing their expectations. *Monitoring and addressing resistance. *Ensuring sustained adoption of the change. | *Creating a compelling vision for change. *Inspiring and motivating employees. *Building a coalition of support. *Empowering and encouraging innovation. *Fostering a culture that embraces change. |
| Who is responsible? | *Project Management *Office *Project Managers *Portfolio Manager *Project Team Members *Subject Matter Experts | *Change Manager *Project Managers *Project Team Members *Subject Matter Experts *HR Leaders *HR Partners (HR Exchange) | *UHR Sr. Leadership *UHR Managers *HR Leads *University Leadership *Project Team Members *Subject Matter Experts *Project sponsors *Cabinet or Initiative sponsors *Anyone/everyone |