James Ryan M.

Alzona

BSMA 3-1- BMA17

Conventional vs. Project Management

Before we fully compare and contrast the difference between

conventional and project management, let us first define these two

different approaches in management. In conventional

management, or the general management, a diverse process that

entails multiple roles and responsibilities is adopted, with the aim

of monitoring and evaluating multiple projects. Its process is a

model used in a typical business setup, comprising of planning,

organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. This approach in

management entails several explicit and implicit principles

including customer focus, leadership, process approach,

motivation, team building, communication, and etc. Whereas,

project management is defined as the management of a team’s

work or project with the aim of accomplishing the goals set towards

the fulfillment of the project given by an individual, group or

institution. It’s guiding process consists of: planning, initiating,

executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. One of the key

issues that project managers face is the fulfillment of the objectives

set in the project within the given resources.

 In relation to it’s differences, there are five differences

between the two approaches. First, as mentioned above in the

definition, project management sets out objectives for the project

and fulfills it for the satisfaction of the intended client while

conventional management focuses in managing and controlling the

progress of various projects and activities of the organization, to

ensure that certain functionalities of every department are

efficiently maintained. Second, the project management’s team

works for a short time since a project is a temporary endeavor

which results in the blurring of authority line, while a conventional

management has a properly defined set of authorities which

supervises and monitors the progress of a particular project. Third,

the set of tasks under project management are dynamic and

flexible due to the nature and structure of the teams while

conventional management’s tasks are defined and consistent

because of the rigid management process used.

Another difference between the two is that the nature of

tasks in a project management are unique and non-repetitive,

since the project is a time-bound and temporary cause, while

conventional management’s tasks are cyclical, naturalistic and

repetitive. Lastly, the measure of success in a project management

depends on the criteria set for the project whereas the measure of

success in a conventional management is the overall goals and

objectives of the organization. All in all, conventional management

has a broader scope than project management, since the latter is

only time-bounded and temporary.