What exactly is project management?

Project Management Lifecycle
Project Management Lifecycle (Photo credit: IvanWalsh.com)

More particularly, exactly what is a job? It’s a momentary group activity created to produce an one-of-a-kind product, service or result.

A project is temporary in that it has actually a defined beginning and end in time, and therefore specified scope and resources.

And a project is special in that it is not a regular operation, however a particular set of operations created to achieve a singular goal. So a task team typically consists of individuals who don’t normally interact– often from different organizations and throughout numerous locations.

The development of software application for an improved company procedure, the construction of a structure or bridge, the relief effort after a natural disaster, the expansion of sales into a new geographical market– all are tasks.

And all have to be skillfully managed to provide the on-time, on-budget results, learning and integration that organizations require.

Job management, then, is the application of knowledge, abilities and strategies to perform projects successfully and effectively. It’s a strategic proficiency for organizations, enabling them to tie project lead to company objectives– and hence, much better compete in their markets.

It has always been exercised informally, however started to emerge as a distinct occupation in the mid-20th century. PMI’s A Guide to the Task Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK ® Guide) identifies its repeating aspects:.

Project management processes fall into 5 groups:.

Starting.
Planning.
Performing.
Tracking and Controlling.
Closing.

All management is concerned with these, naturally. But task management brings a distinct focus shaped by the goals, resources and schedule of each task. The value of that focus is shown by the quick, worldwide growth of job management:.

as a recognized and strategic organizational proficiency.
as a target for training and education.
as an occupation course.