A project is an activity with specific goals which takes place over a finite
period of time. “A temporary organization that is needed to produce an unique
and pre-defined outcome or result at a pre- specified time using pre-determined
resources” Projects are often implemented as a means of achieving an
organization’s strategic plan. Operations and projects differ primarily in that
operations are ongoing and repetitive while projects are temporary and unique. A
project can thus be defined in terms of its distinctive characteristics-a
project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create an unique product or
service. Temporary means that every project has a definite beginning and a
definite end. Unique means that the product or service is different in some
distinguishing way from all other products or services. For many
organizations, projects are a means to respond to those requests that cannot be
addressed within the organization’s normal operational limits.
Projects
are undertaken at all levels of the organization. They may involve a single
person or many thousands. Their duration ranges from a few weeks to more than
five years. Projects may involve a single unit of one organization or may cross
organizational boundaries, as in joint ventures and partnering.
Examples
of projects include:
• Developing a new product or service.
• Effecting a
change in structure, staffing, or style of an organization.
• Designing a new
transportation vehicle.
• Developing or acquiring a new or modified
information system.
• Constructing a building or facility.
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