DefinitionProject management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget. Show
A key factor that distinguishes project management from just 'management' is that it has this final deliverable and a finite timespan, unlike management which is an ongoing process. Because of this a project professional needs a wide range of skills; often technical skills, and certainly people management skills and good business awareness. Definition from APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition Watch: What is project management?This video is hosted by a third party (YouTube.com), you cannot view this video content unless you accept marketing cookies to be able to view this content. If the popup doesn't appear, please clear your browser cache and refresh the page. What is a project?A project is a unique, transient endeavour, undertaken to achieve planned objectives, which could be defined in terms of outputs, outcomes or benefits. A project is usually deemed to be a success if it achieves the objectives according to their acceptance criteria, within an agreed timescale and budget. Time, cost and quality are the building blocks of every project. Time: scheduling is a collection of techniques used to develop and present schedules that show when work will be performed. Cost: how are necessary funds acquired and finances managed? Quality: how will fitness for purpose of the deliverables and management processes be assured? Why do we use project management?Project management is aimed at producing an end product that will effect some change for the benefit of the organisation that instigated the project. It is the initiation, planning and control of a range of tasks required to deliver this end product. Projects that require formal management are those that:
Investment in effective project management will have a number of benefits, such as:
When do we use project management?Projects are separate from business-as-usual activities and occur when an organisation wants to deliver a solution to set requirements within an agreed budget and timeframe. Projects require a team of people to come together temporarily to focus on specific project objectives. As a result, effective teamwork is central to successful projects. Projects require a team of people to come together temporarily to focus on specific project objectives. As a result, effective teamwork is central to successful projects. Project management is concerned with managing discrete packages of work to achieve specific objectives. The way the work is managed depends upon a wide variety of factors. The scale, significance and complexity of the work are obvious factors: relocating a small office and organising the Olympics share many basic principles, but offer very different managerial challenges. Objectives may be expressed in terms of:
Who uses project management?Anyone and everyone manages projects, even if they aren’t formally called a ‘project manager’. Ever organised an event? That’s a project you managed with a team of people, and project management is a life skill for all. More formally, projects crop up in all industries and business:
The core components of project management
Watch: Starting out in project managementThis video is hosted by a third party (YouTube.com), you cannot view this video content unless you accept marketing cookies to be able to view this content. If the popup doesn't appear, please clear your browser cache and refresh the page. Starting Out in Project Management is your essential guide to the basics of project management. Written for anyone new to projects or wishing to progress their career as a project professional 'Starting Out' charts the journey of the APM project life cycle, from concept through to delivery and handover. Buy from the bookshop Watch APM Learning: Starting a project | How to start a project wellThis video is hosted by a third party (YouTube.com), you cannot view this video content unless you accept marketing cookies to be able to view this content. If the popup doesn't appear, please clear your browser cache and refresh the page. In this video explore what it means to start a project well and what you can be doing to make it happen. No matter what or how a project is started, it’s really important to figure out what the key activities are so that you can get stuck in with confidence and clarity. Keep this is mind so that you begin well, and lead your project to success. APM Learning is a member only resource. Not a member? Join today Go to APM Learning (🔒) Related reading
The underlying concept of a Gantt chart is to map out which tasks can be done in parallel and which need to be done sequentially... read more Read blog  So what is project management? How does it differ from simply "management" and how does project management in the workplace differ from a personal project such as refurbishing a house?... read more Read blog Planning is carried out in the early stages of a project but there should be ongoing monitoring to ensure the project remains on budget and schedule; that resources are available and the expected benefits can be delivered... read more Read blog
Putting together an effective project plan is essential but so too is sticking to it throughout the course of the project or adapting it as needs change... read more Read blog At the start of any project the client will have an idea of what the project is intended to achieve; sometimes the idea is vague, sometimes clearly defined... read more Read blog Let's focus here on other skill sets that are just as important to a project manager, and I don't just mean soft skills... read more Read blog APM Body of Knowledge 7th editionThe APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition is a foundational resource providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management. It reflects the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision makers, project professionals and their teams. Buy from the bookshop You may also be interested in
The APM Learning portal is an online resource which provides members with access to digital guides, modules and other digital learning resources as part of the membership benefit. Browse our popular project management 'What is ...?' topics for definitions, quick insights, view related case studies, research, blogs and glossary. Project – APM's official journal – is circulated quarterly for members only, and online for regularly updated news, blogs, opinions and insights for those in the project community. The APM Community is our online community platform that connects our members faster and easier than ever before. What is project and its characteristics?Characteristics of a Project
It is for a temporary duration that involves a beginning and an end. It has requirements of its own within its limits. It is a one-time deal or endeavor. It is not continuous or something that keeps on happening. A project can be cross-functional, or indeed cross-organization.
What are the characteristics of a project in project management?The distinctive characteristics of a project are as follows.. Objectives – Every project is started with some objective or goal viz. ... . Single entity – A project is one whole thing. ... . Life Span – No project can be ceaseless and indefinite. ... . Require funds – ... . Life Cycle – ... . Team Spirit – ... . Risk and Uncertainty – ... . Directions –. What is called project?A project is defined as a sequence of tasks that must be completed to attain a certain outcome. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the term Project refers to ” to any temporary endeavor with a definite beginning and end”. Depending on its complexity, it can be managed by a single person or hundreds.
What are the 5 characteristics of a project?i. Specific. The project must be specific. ... . ii. Measurable. A clearly defined project must be measurable in terms of its benefits and achievements. ... . iii. Achievable. A project will only be meaningful if it is achievable. ... . iv. Relevant. The project needs to bring relevant benefits to the entity concerned. ... . v. Time bound.. |
