The word “project” originates from Latin, meaning “possible unreasonable” — something wonderful that you didn’t anticipate. A project is essentially an effort to make progress toward a specific goal. In this article, we’ll explore the “why” behind a project. This insight is especially valuable if you are responsible for driving a project’s success through effective project management. Understanding the potential achievements at various project stages—such as those taught in a PRINCE2 Belfast course—can significantly enhance your results.
How Do You Define a Project?
It’s important to understand that projects are not just about the physical execution of tasks aimed at a specific target. Instead, a project encompasses the overall approach to how these tasks are carried out — whether involving tangible resources or not — and the way one task leads logically to the next. When a project starts, this process is set in motion. The initial stage involves naming or assigning the project, often referred to as “planting the seed” for what you aim to accomplish.
The Incubation Phase: Planning and Risk Assessment
During this early phase, known as incubation, you will:
- Identify constraints
- Plan strategies to overcome obstacles
- Recognize potential risks and issues
Additionally, you define what you intend to deliver — be it a building, a vehicle, a product, or a service. In some cases, you may also specify performance criteria. Organizations attending our seminars gain a clear understanding of the activities involved in these early project stages, equipping them to participate effectively.
Examples of Project Goals
Consider these examples:
- “We will construct a building project with an estimated cost of £100,000.”
- “We aim to gain project management experience to demonstrate the ability to successfully organize and manage future projects.”
From Idea to Action: The Role of Project Management
Once the initial concept is established, you move into the practical process of project management — overseeing the execution and ensuring each phase progresses toward the goal.
Key Definitions: Project vs. Progress
Project: A temporary endeavor undertaken to achieve specific objectives. Importantly, projects can evolve into established or ongoing operations with defined scope, objectives, timelines, and budgets.
Progress: A series of activities leading to specific outcomes, often visualized as ascending steps on a ladder.
Important Considerations for Successful Projects
A common pitfall is starting a project with a fixed, rigid objective and then filling in all details only as you proceed. Effective project management is crucial to avoid this. Projects are inherently temporary and come in various sizes — some span multiple years with different teams involved at different stages.
At times, you might feel the project is no longer viable or you’re experiencing burnout — such situations might signal that it’s time to pause or stop the project before advancing further.
Planning: The Key to Better Outcomes
Remember, there is no “good enough” solution to achieve your goals. Instead, always strive for the “best” alternative. Planning your project thoughtfully is essential. It involves thoroughly considering all factors before starting, allowing you to assess whether your objectives are achievable. This foresight is documented in your project journal and reflected by the project’s planned completion date.
Read More: Why research is important for case study?
If you want to learn more about Project Management peak performance with PRINCE2, visit our Business category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What defines a successful project?
- A successful project meets its objectives within the agreed scope, time, and budget, while effectively managing risks and stakeholder expectations.
- Why is planning essential in project management?
- Planning helps identify potential challenges, allocate resources efficiently, and set realistic timelines, which increases the likelihood of the project’s success.
- How does project management differ from simply carrying out tasks?
- Project management involves overseeing, coordinating, and directing tasks to ensure alignment with the project’s goals, rather than just executing isolated activities.
- Can a project turn into a permanent operation?
- Yes, some projects evolve into ongoing operations or business units once their objectives are achieved and processes are institutionalized.
- What should I do if a project is not progressing as planned?
- Evaluate the risks and issues causing delays, revisit your project plan, adjust objectives if needed, and communicate with stakeholders to realign expectations or decide if the project should be paused or stopped.
