What is a Project?
March 18th 2010 18:45
This question alone often stirs up vigorous debate among people in the workplace. The easiest answer is to use the Project Management Institute’s (PMI’s) definition - A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
Based on that definition, is this particular post in this blog a project? It fits the definition, but I doubt if many people would consider this a project. It’s more of a task; or is it a deliverable; or is it a work effort?
As you can see, this question may not be answered as easily as you would think. Most information technology (IT) projects expand the definition to include some level of effort, duration, or cost. For example, a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result that will result in a cost of over $50,000 to the company.
By adding this qualification, you can create clear guidelines for what should be tracked, managed, and reported on as a project. It is important to remember that there isn’t any single answer to this question. It will depend on your situation, your goals, the company, the people involved, and a variety of other factors.
Perhaps the best answer is – I’ll know it when I see it.
Based on that definition, is this particular post in this blog a project? It fits the definition, but I doubt if many people would consider this a project. It’s more of a task; or is it a deliverable; or is it a work effort?
As you can see, this question may not be answered as easily as you would think. Most information technology (IT) projects expand the definition to include some level of effort, duration, or cost. For example, a project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result that will result in a cost of over $50,000 to the company.
By adding this qualification, you can create clear guidelines for what should be tracked, managed, and reported on as a project. It is important to remember that there isn’t any single answer to this question. It will depend on your situation, your goals, the company, the people involved, and a variety of other factors.
Perhaps the best answer is – I’ll know it when I see it.
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