Project By Definition

Project by Definition A temporary endeavor undertaken to create unique product or service.

(Project Management Institution, 2001,p.167)

Back Ground  

Origins and history of project management. Classifying projects.

The Definition of a “Project” 

Must make a distinction between terms: 

  

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Program - an exceptionally large, long-range objective that is broken down into a set of projects Task - set of activities comprising a project Work Packages - division of tasks Work Units - division of work packages

In the broadest sense, a project is a specific, finite task to be accomplished

Chapter 1-8

Characteristics Of a project.     

Purpose Lifecycle Interdependence Uniqueness Conflict

For Literature Consult Project Management A Managerial Approach (Fifth Editio By; John Wiley & Sons, Inc, p-9

Why Project Management? 

Companies have also experienced some negatives:  

  

Greater organizational complexity Increased likelihood of organizational policy violations Higher costs More management difficulties Low personnel utilization Chapter 1-11

The project life-cycle. 100 % Project Completion

Slow Finish

Quick Momentum

Slow start

0

Time Project Management A Managerial Approach. By; John Wiley & Sons, Inc, p-

The Project Life Cycle 

Time distribution of project effort is characterized by slow-rapidslow

Chapter 1-14

The Project Life Cycle 

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Other projects also exist which do not follow the conventional project life cycle These projects are comprised of subunits that have little use as a stand alone unit, yet become useful when put together

Chapter 1-15

The Project Life Cycle 

Unlike the more conventional life cycle, continued inputs of effort at the end of the project produce significant gains in returns

Chapter 1-16

The Project Life Cycle 

Risk during project life cycle 

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With most projects there is some uncertainty about the ability to meet project goals Uncertainty of outcome is greatest at the start of a project Uncertainty decreases as the project moves toward completion

Chapter 1-18

Risk During Project Life Cycle 

Uncertainty decreases as the project moves toward completion

Chapter 1-19

Summary 

Projects are characterized by a singleness of purpose, a definite life cycle, complex interdependencies, some or all unique elements, and an environment of conflict

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Project management, though not problemfree, is the best way to accomplish certain goals Chapter 1-24

Summary 

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Projects often start slow, build up speed while using considerable resources, and then slow down as completion nears This text is organized along the project life cycle concept:   

Project Initiation (Chapters 2-6) Project Implementation (Chapters 7-11) Project Termination (Chapters 12-13) Chapter 1-25