Project
Explanation
The defining characteristics of a project are its temporary nature and unique output. Temporary means every project has a definite beginning and end; the end is reached when the objectives have been achieved, when it becomes clear the objectives cannot be met, or when the need for the project no longer exists. Unique means the deliverable differs in some distinguishing way from all other products, services, or results.
Projects drive change in organizations. They move an organization from one state to another in order to achieve a specific objective, whether that is building a new software application, constructing a bridge, or implementing a new business process. Projects can exist at any level of the organization and can involve a single person or thousands.
It is important to distinguish projects from ongoing operational work. While operations are repetitive and sustain the business, projects are temporary and produce something new. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to applying the right management approach to each type of work.
Key Points
- •Temporary — has a definite start and finish
- •Creates a unique product, service, or result
- •Drives organizational change from a current state to a future state
- •Can be undertaken at any organizational level and vary greatly in size
Exam Tip
When the exam describes work that is temporary and produces something unique, it is a project — even if it sounds routine. Focus on the temporary and unique criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Program
A program is a group of related projects, subsidiary programs, and program activities managed in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually.
Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of projects, programs, subsidiary portfolios, and operations managed as a group to achieve strategic objectives.
Operations vs Projects
Operations are ongoing, repetitive activities that sustain an organization, while projects are temporary endeavors that create unique outputs.
Project Charter
A project charter is a document issued by the project sponsor that formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.
Most-studied PMP concepts
High-yield topics our learners drill most before exam day.
Predictive Life Cycle (Waterfall)
A predictive life cycle is a plan-driven approach where the project scope, schedule, and cost are determined early and changes are carefully managed.
Subsidiary Plans
Subsidiary plans are the individual management plans that are components of the overall project management plan, each addressing a specific Knowledge Area or management function.
Burndown Chart
A Burndown Chart is a graphical representation of work remaining versus time in a Sprint or release, showing whether the team is on track to complete the planned work.
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Risk Register
The risk register is a project document that records the details of individual project risks, including their identification, analysis results, response plans, and current status.
Stakeholder Mapping
Stakeholder mapping is the visual representation of stakeholder relationships, influence, interest, or other attributes using grids, matrices, or diagrams to support analysis and engagement planning.
Relative Estimation
Relative Estimation is an agile technique where work items are sized in comparison to each other rather than in absolute units like hours or days, providing faster and more accurate estimates.
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures cost performance as the ratio of earned value to actual cost: CPI = EV / AC.
Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures schedule performance as the ratio of earned value to planned value: SPI = EV / PV.
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PM Fundamentals & Frameworks
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