A Project is an initiative, by definition is a temporary endeavor set to create a unique product or a service which has a defined start and end date, specific goals and conditions, defined roles and resp, constraints and risks etc.
Some people do not have a clear idea of what a project consists of. Project is not about setting up a bunch of repetitive Tasks and making sure that they happen. It is much more than that. True projects involves a unique effort (If it is repetitive, it is no longer a project), Projects have clearly defined objectives, have a defined lifespan or a one time effort.
Let's take an example of a Project and how it would be executed.
Again, every project is unique but it does follow some common standards and Guidelines, more or less
Digging a well is a project. It involves a predefined and a set Objective,
Objective - Dig a well so that it provides drinking water to a set of people (Stakeholders).
There are a bunch of people to bear the expenses for the well being dug (Sponsors)
There are a bunch of people who will dig the well (resources)
The well digging initiative will be managed by a person (Project Manager).
The activities performed by the manager will be something along these lines,
- Project sponsors come with a requirement ( Dig a well). They have a budget and an objective and a high level roadmap in mind (Provide water to group of people by end of next 3 months - Budget $5000)
- Project sponsors appoint a Project Manager who starts with meeting the stakeholders involved, sponsors to understand scope, budget, timelines.
- Prepares a Plan based on high level Scope understood, sets Milestones, plans resources, deliverables to be achieved/delivered.
- Prepares a schedule based on this High level plan.
- Gets resources approved, allocated for the project term duration
- Prepares a high level communication plan, risk analysis and management plan, configuration and change management plan
- Gets a sign off on the project charter, SOW
- Holds a project kick off meeting with all the stakeholders involved on the project.
- elaborates on the Project plan with the Project Team wrt identifying the work activities, schedule, risks, mitigation plans etc
- Team designs and develops as per the plan
- Regularly meets with the Team to identify issues, risks, mitigation plans/strategy, works on coordination and facilitation activities.
- Regularly updates the Stakeholders, Sponsors etc on the overall Prject status
- Finally project is delivered to the Stakeholders
