Organizations perform work to achieve a set of objectives. Generally, work can be categorized as either projects or processes (operations), although the two sometimes overlap. They share many of the following characteristics:
. • Performed by people
. • Constrained by limited resources
. • Planned, executed, and controlled.
Projects and processes differ primarily in that processes are ongoing and repetitive, while projects are temporary and unique.
The objectives of projects and processes are fundamentally different. The purpose of a project is to attain its objective and then terminate. Conversely, the objective of an ongoing process is to sustain the business. Projects are different because the project concludes when its specific objectives have been attained, while processes adopt a new set of objectives and the work continues.
Projects are undertaken at all levels of the organization and they can involve a single person or many thousands. Their duration ranges from a few weeks to several years. Projects can involve one or many organizational units, such as joint ventures and partnerships. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to:
. • 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
. • Building a water system for a community
. • Running a campaign for political office
. • Implementing a new business procedure or process
. • Responding to a contract solicitation.
