Final answer:
Several application development projects for the same functional group are best managed as part of a program. This approach allows for coordinated management to obtain benefits that individual project management does not provide and aligns with strategic goals. The choice between program and portfolio management depends on the specific objectives and requirements of the projects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several application development projects done for the same functional group might best be managed as part of a program. A program is a group of related projects managed in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually. Programs may contain elements of ongoing work and are often aligned with an organization's strategic goals. In comparison to a program, a portfolio is a collection of projects, programs, subsidiary portfolios, and operations managed as a group to achieve strategic objectives. The choice between managing a set of projects as a program or a portfolio depends on the specific goals, resources, and oversight required.
For instance, in collaborative community-based programs such as those mentioned in Mini-Case Study Eleven, a philanthropic foundation supports various projects through mini-grants. These collaborations and engagements in evaluation activities are critical, and subsequent projects can greatly benefit from cohesive program management that aligns with strategic objectives and provides a structure for achieving greater impact.
Similarly, in the case where external firms and internal collaboration work on economic infrastructure projects, a program approach contributes to the success and sustainability of these ventures. By managing several application development projects as a program under common leadership, organizations can ensure a well-coordinated approach that leverages synergies, aligns with the overall business strategy and ensures the collective advancement of these projects.