Introduction to project management/IPM101/Context/Attributes

Project

Projects are temporary and this is a key attribute. As such, projects are unique in the sense that they bring about a new product or service.

Definitions

Project

A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

Project management

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques applied to project activities in order to meet the project requirements.

Project management process

Project management is a process that includes planning, putting the project plan into action, and measuring progress and performance.

Reading

Read the following sections in the prescribed textbook (Web | PDF), Chapter 2 (pages 9 and 10 in the PDF version).

• Introductory chapter paragraph
• Project attributes
• Definition of a project
• Project characteristics

Can you list the four criteria or questions you should ask to determine if an activity is a project? If not, re-read the section on Project characteristics.