Basics of project management

Project Management Institute defines a “project” as “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.”

• The word “temporary” means projects must have a defined beginning and end. Every project must include a timeline, scope, and resources. The fact that it is temporary with a beginning and an end also means that it is not part of ongoing operations.
• The purpose of a project must be “to create a unique product, service, or result.” This means a project will be started in order to accomplish a specific goal that is typically outside the realm of the typical day-to-day business operation. This means the project team might include people who don’t usually work together, and require resources that are typically outside the scope of day-to-day operations.