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CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes

Question 66 of 95 in Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes

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What is the PRIMARY characteristic that distinguishes a project from operations?

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Correct answer: Projects are temporary and unique, while operations are ongoing and repetitive

Explanation

The defining characteristics of a project are that it is temporary (has a defined beginning and end) and creates a unique product, service, or result. Operations are ongoing, repetitive activities that sustain the business. For example, developing a new customer portal is a project, while processing daily customer orders is an operation.

**Why not A:** Projects are not always strategic, and operations are not always tactical. Both projects and operations can serve strategic or tactical purposes. The distinguishing factor is temporality and uniqueness, not the level of strategic importance.

**Why not B:** Both projects and operations require management. Operations have managers, supervisors, and leaders just as projects do. The need for a project manager does not distinguish projects from operations — the key distinction is that projects are temporary and unique.

**Why not D:** Projects can use predictive, adaptive, or hybrid approaches, and operations can also employ various management methodologies. The approach used is not a defining characteristic that separates projects from operations.

Key Concept

This question covers Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes under Demonstrate an understanding of the various project life cycles and processes (Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts).

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