Managing Projects with a Strategic or Tactical Approach?

Strategic or Tactical… which is better for Project Managers?  Strategic project management and tactical project management are two distinct approaches to managing key initiatives. Here are some differences between the two:

1.       Scope: Strategic project management focuses on high-level, long-term goals and objectives, while tactical project management focuses on more immediate, short-term goals and objectives.

2.       Planning: Strategic project management involves planning at a high level, identifying the overall goals and objectives of the project and developing a high-level plan to achieve those goals. Tactical project management involves more detailed planning and execution, focusing on specific tasks and activities required to achieve the goals set by the strategic plan.

3.       Timeframe: Strategic project management is typically focused on a longer timeframe, often several years or more, while tactical project management is focused on shorter timeframes, typically weeks or months.

4.       Team composition: Strategic project management often involves higher-level managers and executives, while tactical project management involves project managers and project teams who are responsible for executing the day-to-day tasks required to achieve the project goals.

5.       Measurement of success: Strategic project management measures success based on achieving overall strategic goals, while tactical project management measures success based on achieving more immediate project objectives and milestones.

In summary, strategic project management is focused on long-term planning and achieving high-level goals, while tactical project management is focused on executing day-to-day tasks to achieve short-term objectives. Both approaches are essential to successful project implementation; however, they require different skills, tools, and mindsets to be effective.