Project Management

What is a Project

There are many ways to describe what a Project actually is, depending upon its scale, but the most succinct definition is "A temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result".

Looking at "personal" types of project we could interpret knitting a jumper or making a table as a "Product Oriented Project", plumbing in a new washing machine or setting up your first bank account as a "Service Oriented Project" and passing your driving test as a "Result Oriented Project". These examples are only indicative; I'm sure you can come up with types of project that fit neither of the three listed terms or perhaps fits more than one, but the scope of a project remains the same.

At the industrial level, Projects take the form of more substantial entities, such as Aeronautical (the new A380), Automotive (Thrust Super Sonic Car), Aerospace (The Space Shuttle or Space Station) or Military (Aircraft Carriers).

No matter the "scale" of the project (fiscal or otherwise), the term " Project " applies.

So, with a definition of " project " in hand, how do we go about "managing" the work associated with achieving the aims of the project.

Project "Architectures"

I use the term "Project Architectures" to describe the methods used to classify and catalogue the cost, scope and schedule of work relating to the project. The page focussed on PM Architecturesprovides a comprehensive definition of the applicable/constituent Project Management terms/approaches