Project vs. Activity

Using PMI Standards

Essin Fehmieva Belgium

Can someone please give me a clear overview of what a Project is and what a Project isn't?
Where is the borderline between a Project and an Activity?
Thanks.

Posted: Jan 4, 2021 9:20 AM

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Keith Novak Tukwila, Wa, United States

Jan 05, 2021 4:08 PM

Replying to Essin Fehmieva

...

Thank you all of you for your contributions.
I have one remaining question about the fact that projects should be executed in different consequitevely phases like "initiating - planning - executing - monitoring - closing".

However, because I have some little doubts about the succes and viability of a future project, I wonder how to deal with this issue (without taking any big risks and asking money in advance while it can turn out the money was not necessary).
Is it for example possible to start the project (i.e. initiating - planning - requirements gathering & analysis).
And only after basic analysis decide whether an execution phase will come?
So I want to split the project in 2 pieces. After analysis, it will be clear whether implementation is opportune....
In that case: do I have 1 or 2 projects?
Or should I plan just some Activities to do the analysis work?
Or is this a kind of pre-project or a Pilot Project???

Thanks for your contributions.
Essin

That is still one project. Many businesses include a gated process for launching projects, especially if they have a very high cost estimate.

Most projects begin with a number of unknowns. Early in the development lifecycle, the sponsors may only provide limited authorization to do enough work to investigate the unknowns and determine whether or not a project will have a positive outcome as a risk reduction strategy. If the team is able to conclude the project is viable after some study, the project passes the gate and moves to the next phase. If not, the project may be cancelled, or additional but limited work may be authorized to continue studying additional measures that may make the project viable.

Gated processes may have multiple gates at strategic points after which costs will increase significantly. For example, as you transition from concept to detailed design, many more people are required so labor costs make a sharp increase.

They are still one project under the original charter, but with multiple opportunities to stop work and minimize the investment losses as more details are known.

Posted: Jan 5, 2021 4:46 PM

Devprakash Y Quality Lead, Project Manager| TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES Rewari, Haryana, India

As per PMI standards, Project is a temporary endeavour comprising of all activities sequenced in work package and which need to be finally done in order to achieve project objective.

Posted: Jan 14, 2021 1:45 PM

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