I am trying to put together a document on what a project is. There is various information on the web, but could not find anything substantial. Does anyone have any good infotmation or links to go to? Saving Changes...
There are numerous ones but all are pretty much in agreement:
From PMI - A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. The temporary nature of project indicates a definite beginning and end.
You can also find a defintion from IAAPM as well that is similar. Saving Changes...
Mark Price PerryBusiness Driven PMO Evangelist| BOT InternationalOrlando, Fl, United States
Milan, for most organizations the definition of a project as defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI) which is the recognized standards organization for project management works just fine. See Kelvin Pimentel's response below. In terms of putting together documentation on what a project is, you might enjoy having a look at Randy Englund's article, "What is not a project." It is a nice read. Lastly, I would add, there are those that do not agree with the formal and accepted definition of a project. In the blogosphere, there are many insightful articles describing Google's approach (and others) to project management and to what a project even is (not to mention how the project should be managed). For example, does a temporary project really always have to have an end date..? In many highly creative, innovative, and Agile centric environments, the answer may very well be no. Just fyi. Saving Changes...
Just to add to this debate, in my organsiation we have taken the PMI definition and added some size/impact/risk dimensions.
Just because something is a temporary endeavour to produce a product/service does not make it always worth assigning a project manager.
Small projects/changes can sometimes can be done without a formal project manager or project methodology, just list what needs to be done, get approval and do it - what a radical idea! Saving Changes...
Matthew PateePMO Director| ABM IndustriesBenicia, Ca, United States
The PMI definition is lacking. Example: my responding to this thread is a temporary endeavour that will produce a unique product / result. However, I would hardly consider this response a project.
Every organization I have seen struggles with this question because there is no universal answer. Rather than asking the question "What is a project?", I believe we should ask "Which types of efforts does our organization undertake that would benefit from formal Project Management and the structure, visibility and controls that it brings?".
“A project,” according to PMI, “is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service.”
If you like it or not, this is the best definition you will ever get for a project. Remember PMI has spent more than 25 years to create PMBOK!!
Best Regards,
Vivekanandan M Saving Changes...
Michael ShickAssistant Professor| Western Carolina UniversityGreer, Sc, United States
PMI® PMBOK 8 defines a project as “a temporary initiative in a unique context undertaken to create value.”
I would argue that it is a short-term, in-depth endeavor with a definite start and end, complex, unique, and interconnected. Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Great question Project definitions vary widely online, so it helps to anchor them in recognized standards.
PMI® PMBOK 8 defines a project as a temporary initiative in a unique context undertaken to create value.
Building on that, I would complement the definition by emphasizing that a project is a time-bounded, finite, and purpose-driven endeavor that operates in unique, complex, and interconnected conditions, requiring disciplined coordination across people, systems, and constraints.
Hope this helps bring clarity. Saving Changes...
Sadik NazikProject Management Instructor / Consultant| CPM Group Project and Product Ltd.Ankara, Türkiye
In a previous study I conducted, I compiled project definitions from different sources. I'm including a comparative analysis of all of them below, hope it helps.
1- A temporary organization that is created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to an agreed business case. (PRINCE2)
2- A unique, temporary, multidisciplinary, and organised endeavour to realise agreed deliverables within predefined requirements and constraints. (IPMA)
3- A unique, transient endeavour undertaken to achieve a desired outcome. (APM)
4- A temporary organisational structure which is set up to create a unique product or service (output) within certain constraints. (PM2 - EU)
5- A temporary initiative in a unique context undertaken to create value. (PMBOK) Saving Changes...
