Projects, Project Management and Project Managers

A Project

PMI ® Definition:

“A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result.”

May be divided into sub-projects (phases)

Characteristics:

  • Finite: start and end date
  • Interrelated tasks
  • Has one or more clear objectives which are strategically aligned and whose achievement will add value to the organization
  • Unique deliverables based on a Business Need
  • Progressive elaboration.

Sources of Projects

Where do projects come from?

  • Market demand
  • Business need / Strategic opportunity
  • Customer request / social need
  • Technological advance
  • Legal requirement
  • Environmental Need – reduce waste

Projects are normally a response to:

  • Problems
  • Opportunities
  • Business requirements

PMP ® exam assumption:

  • There is a sound business case for the project

Project Management

PMBOK® Guide Definition:
"Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements."

The definition shown above in italics are taken from the Glossary of the Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK® Guide) – Fifth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2013

The Project Manager is responsible for:

  • Establishing objectives
  • Identifying requirements
  • Defining the scope
  • Addressing the needs, concerns, expectations of the stakeholders
  • Achieving a balance between the different project performance targets
  • Achieving the project's objectives

How do we Manage Projects?

By the appropriate application and integration of 47 processes logically grouped in 5 process groups:

  • Initiating (start)
  • Planning (plan)
  • Executing (do)
  • Monitoring and Controlling (check and act)
  • Closing (close)

A Process is:
"a systematic series of activities directed towards causing an end result such that one or more inputs will be acted upon to create one or more outputs"

The definitions shown above in italics are taken from the Glossary of the Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK® Guide) – Fifth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2013 ©2007 – Body Temple

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