Staffing - Projects - Programs / Do you know the difference?

In order for management, recruiting and sales to all be pulling in the same direction. Your company's future success depends on everyone being on the same page for these definitions. 

Staffing - The vendor doesn't mange the field contractors day to day. There is no responsibility for performance beyond if the person gets kicked off the contract and maybe then a backfill quickly, if needed.   Bidding and rates are negotiated on a hourly basis.  

Projects - The vendor is responsible for producing a product based on a technical bid and usually, a fixed price.  Can be on site or off.  But, the key is management is by the vendor and all staff are picked, and managed by a project manager that works for the vendor.  There is a distinct start and stop, schedules and milestones.  i.e. developing a ERP system

Programs - They are close to projects in style of management but these are on-going efforts that are only judged by a length of time contract. i.e. help desk and customer service.

Mix and match these definitions at a high risk of failure.  Do not allow a client to talk you into projects or programs and they are involved in management or picking the staff.   Do not allow your own company to think you can take on projects and programs, and not invest in your own internal structured processes, an excellent bidding team, or strong internal project management.