What is a project

How does projects emerge

An idea
• Driven by a need,
• A desire for innovation and creativity
• An addition to a school of thought or a body
of knowledge
 Project’s Defined as

• A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken

to create a unique product, service or a result.
 Temporary
• That every project has a definite beginning
and a definite end.
• The teams are temporary as well…..
• It ends when objectives achieved/ they are no
more achievable/ valid
Can you think of an example……….
 Temporary

• Temporary does not apply to the

outcome…………
• That’s why they have social, economic, and
environmental impacts……..
 Unique product, services or results
• A product that is quantifiable/tangible…….
For example

• A capability to perform a service……

For example

• A result like outcomes or documents……..

For example
 Uniqueness
• An important characteristic of project
deliverables……..
For example…

The presence of repetitive elements does not

change the fundamental uniqueness of the
project work.
 Project vs Operational Work
Organizations achieve their objectives either
through projects or operations.
They share the following
• Performed by people
• Constrained by limited resources
• Planned, executed and controlled
 Project vs Operational Work
• The primary difference is that,
Operations (ongoing and repetitive)
They are there to sustain the business and once
the objectives are met, they adopt a new set of
objectives and the work continues
Whereas,
Project vs Operational Work
Projects (temporary and unique)
They are concluded once the objectives are
achieved.
 which of the following are projects
• 1. Launch a new product. Project/Functional
• 2. Manage a research unit. Project/Functional
• 3. Conduct an appraisal. Project/Functional
• 4. Raise £50,000 in sponsorship. Project/Functional
• 5. Sell Company services. Project/Functional
• 6. Review existing procedures. Project/Functional
• 7. Administrate Theatre Company. Project/Functional
• 8. Supervise the office Project/Functional
• 9. Build a house. Project/Functional
• 10. Write a book. Project/Functional
 Solution

• 1. Launch a new product. Project

• 2. Manage a research unit. Functional
• 3. Conduct an appraisal. Functional
• 4. Raise £50,000 in sponsorship. Project
• 5. Sell Company services. Functional
• 6. Review existing procedures. Project
• 7. Administrate Theatre Company. Functional
• 8. Supervise the office. Functional
• 9. Build a house. Project
• 10. Write a book. Project
 Projects Triple Constraints
• Project Scope

• Project time

• Project Costs