Definition and Characteristics of Project Management

Question 1

What is a project?

Answer 1

A project is a temporary, unique, and progressive attempt or endeavor made to produce a tangible or intangible result (such as a unique product, service, benefit, or competitive advantage) through a systematic management approach.

Question 2

What are the three key characteristics of a project?

Answer 2

Temporary, Unique Deliverables, Progressive Elaboration

Question 3

What does ‘Temporary’ mean as a key characteristic of a project?

Answer 3

It means that every project has a finite start and a finite end. The end is reached when all objectives have been met or it’s clear the project cannot be completed.

Question 4

What does ‘Unique Deliverables’ mean as a key characteristic of a project?

Answer 4

Projects aim to produce deliverables (products, services, or other results) that address a specific need or problem analyzed before the project starts.

Question 5

What does ‘Progressive Elaboration’ mean as a key characteristic of a project?

Answer 5

This means that continuous improvement and investigation throughout the project help to develop more accurate and comprehensive plans.

Question 6

List 5 other minor characteristics of a project.

Answer 6

• Purposeful: as it has a rational and mesuable objective,
• Logical: it has a life cycle,
• Structured:: there interdepence between its tasks and activities,
• Conflict: as projects aim at solving a problem,
• Risk: as there is an element of risk involved in projects

Ron Swanson Loves Park City

Question 7

List 5 examples of projects.

Answer 7

Developing a new product or service, Constructing a building or facility, Designing a new transportation vehicle, Acquiring a new or modified data system, Organizing a meeting.