Project Definition
Introduction to Project Management | By:
- BS 6079-2:2000 Project Management KNOLSKAPE
Vocabulary, states that a project is:
What is a Project?
A unique process, consisting of a set of
coordinated and controlled activities with start A project is a temporary endeavor which has a
and finish dates, undertaken to achieve an definite beginning and end that is carefully
objectives conforming to specific requirements, planned by dividing into several phases to give
including constraints of time, cost and out a unique output.
resources.
How are projects different from operations?
- Project Management Institute (PMI) defines a
project as Projects
Temporary
A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a Unique
unique product, service, or result. The Closed after obtaining objectives
temporary nature of projects indicates a definite
beginning and end. The end is reached when Operations
the project’s objectives have been achieved or On-going processes
when the project is terminated because its Repetitive
objectives will not or cannot be met, or when Objective is to sustain business
the need for the project no longer exists.
What are the phases of project management?
Project Characteristics
Project Life Cycle
Somethings to keep in mind. First, is it a project
Initiating
or an ongoing operation? Second, if It is a
Planning
project, who are the stakeholders? And third,
what characteristics distinguish this endeavor Executing
as a project? Monitoring and Control Process
Projects have several characteristics: Closing
Projects are unique.
Projects are temporary in nature and Why manage a project?
have a definite beginning and ending
date. Statistics
Projects are completed when the Only 1/4 projects that enter
project goals are achieved or it’s development make it to the market.
determined the project is no longer 31% of the IT projects are cancelled
valuable. before completion.
Larger organizations net only 42% of
Project Management the original features and functions in
the end product.
The planning, monitoring, and control of all
aspects of a project and the motivation of all Why projects fail?
those involved in it, in order to achieve the
project objectives within agreed criteria of time, Failure in Time Management
cost, and performance. Failure in Cost Management
Failure in Scope Management
It can be change, modified Failure in Quality Management
The project manager coordinates the
preparation of a project budget and
What are the skills of Project Manager? the budget is used to monitor and
control cost expenditures during
Leadership project implementation.
Communication Three fundamental components of
Information Technology planning process - Identified the
Accounting work, prepared the schedule, and
Purchasing estimated the costs
Problem Solving Risk management – identify and try
to deal with anything that might pose
The Project Life Cycle (Phases) a threat to the successful completion
of the project.
A standard project typically has the following In risk management, “high-threat”
four major phases: initiation, planning, potential problems are identified
implementation, and closure. These phases along with the action that is to be
represent the path a project takes from the taken on each high-threat potential
beginning to its end and are generally referred problem.
to as project “life cycle.” Document a quality plan, providing
quality targets, assurance, and
Initiation Phase control measures, along with an
acceptance plan.
The project objectives or need is
identified; this can be a business Implementation (Execution) Phase
problem or opportunity.
An appropriate response to the need The project plan is put into motion
is documented with recommended and the work of the project is
solution options. performed.
A feasibility study is conducted Progress is continuously monitored
A project is initiated to deliver the and appropriate adjustments are
approved solution and a project made.
manager is appointed. People are carrying out tasks, and
The major deliverables and the progress information is being
participating work groups are reported
identified, and the project team
begins to take shape.
Approval is then sought by the project
manager to move onto the detailed
planning phase.
Planning Phase
The project solution is further
developed and the steps necessary
to meet the project’s objectives are
planned.
The project’s tasks and resources
requirements are identified, along
with the strategy for producing them –
also referred as scope management
A project plan is created outlining the
activities, tasks dependencies, and
timeframes.
