MODULE 1 – OVERVIEW OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Overview

This module discusses about the overview of the project management, it deals
with defining the project, project versus operational work, projects and strategic planning.

Lesson 1 – What is project?

1.1 – Project Characteristics
1.2 - Temporary
1.3 - Unique Products, Services or Results
Lesson 2 – Project versus Operational Work
Lesson 3. Project and other Management Disciplines and Related Endeavors

Objectives
After successful completion of the module you should be able to:
1. Define the meaning of project management.
2. Identify the characteristics of a project
3. Differentiate project versus operational work
4. Identify the other management disciplines and Related Endeavors

Course Materials:
Read: Any edition of A GUIDE TO THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT BODY OF
KNOWLEDGE.

Introduction
Projects are undertaken at different levels and vary across organization. It is
defined as undertaken to bring unique results, services or products. It is a relatively young
profession, while there is similarity around what is done, there is relatively commonality
in terms used. Projects are oftentimes the most critical components on adhering and
performing the organization’s business strategies. Projects might involve a single person
or thousands of employees. They might require a single unit of the one organization or
may cross organizational boundaries such an in joint venturing or partnering.
What is Project?
Project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create new products, services or
results. It is temporary because it has a definite ending and beginning. It is unique
because the products, services or results must have a distinguishing characteristics from
others. It can be divided into several phases such as Initiating, Planning, Executing,
Monitoring and Controlling and Closing. It is hindered by different contraints such as Cost,
Schedule , Quality, Resources etc.. Examples of projects are developing a new system,
products, or services, constructing new building facilities, change in style of organizations.

Project Characteristics
The project has the following characteristics:

Temporary
Temporary means that every project has a definite beginning and a definite end. It
is different from operational business process because once the project objectives are
met or when it is clear that the project objective cannot be met the project is then
terminated. Temporary does specifically mean short in duration there are some that last
long for years, however the duration of the project must be finite and projects are not
ongoing efforts. On the other hand, temporary does not pertain to services, products or
results because most projects are initiated create lasting results. Projects is said to be
temporary because it will at some point. They are fundamentally different because they
are terminated once the objects are achieved or clearly shows that it is unachievable.

Unique
One characteristic of a projects is being Unique. They must have a distinguishing
characteristic from all other similar products, services or results. It involves doing
something which has not been done before. The distinguishing characteristics of the
products, services or results must be defined and elaborated early in the projects and will
be clear and detailed as project team progresses with the undertaking.

Project versus Operational Work

Although projects and Operational works share similar characteristics like the
following:
• Performed by people.
• Constrained by limited resources.
• Planned, executed and controlled.
However, they differ primarily because operations are ongoing and repetitive while
projects have definite beginning and ending and unique among other similar products,
services or results. Projects are temporary in nature to produce something new while
operations are permanently in nature, they don’t produce anything new instead they
maintain and sustain an ongoing or existing business process or system.

Project and other Management Disciplines and Related Endeavors,

The General Management encompasses planning, organizing, staffing, executing,
and controlling the operations of an ongoing enterprise (Durcan, 1996, p. 8). It includes
disciplines such as computer programming, law, statistics, and probability theory,
logistics, and personnel. On the other hand, Application Areas are categories of projects
that have common elements significant in such projects but not needed or present in all
projects. These are usually defined in terms of:
• Technical elements
• Management Elements
• Industry groups
A program is a group of projects managed in a coordinated way. Example is:
• A software company includes project to design the software as well as the on going
development and support that software once released.
A subproject is the division of a project into smalle manageable components.
• A single project phase
• The designing of software might be a subproject of an entire project.
However, on the perspective of the performing organization, a subproject is often thought
of more as service than as a product, and the service in unique. Thus subprojects are
typically referred to as projects and managed as such.
Course Requirements:
Download any version of PMBOK.
Download the powerpoint presentation via google drive.

Activities/Assessment
1. Research on the different projects implemented on different organization and make
a short write-up on their differences.
2. In your own words define what is project and project characteristics.
3. Write a short essay on the differences and similarities of project and operations.
4. Identify a particular problem that you think a project might solve. This will be your
basis in the next coming activities. Write a short description.
References:
Durcan, W. R. (1996). A GUIDE TO THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE. Newtorne
Square: PMI Standards Comiittee.
Usmani, F. (2019, October 30). pmstudycircle.com/2012/03/what-are-the-project-and-operation-
difference-between-them/. Retrieved from pmstudycircle: pmstudycircle.com