How to Know, This is a Project?

The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines a project by its two characteristics which are;

• Projects are temporary.
• Projects are undertaken to create a product, service or result that is unique.

Considering this definition , we come to realize that people have been undertaken projects since the earliest days of human history. Hunters and Gathers' activities can be considered to be project undertakings because they were temporary and had a specific purpose of serving a community.The buildings of Egyptian pyramids also are considered to be projects in the world history.

From that glimpse we come to find a general definition provided by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) which defines project as temporary endeavor undertaken to create  a unique product, service, or result. The temporary nature of project indicates a definite beginning and end. The end is reached when  the project's objectives have been achieved or when the project is terminated because its objectives will not or can not be met, or when the need for the project no longer exists 

In order for an activity to be a project, it should possess the following distinctive features and attributes;

• It should be temporary in nature, they are not every day business. Projects  have a start and ending time. In order to ensure a project is executed within a time frame; a schedule is created showing when tasks should begin and end.
• It should exist to bring about a product or service that has not existed before, here we get the uniqueness of the project. Uniqueness of the project can be in the fashion, or the way it is executed e.t.c. For example in aircraft designing and assembling, each model for example Airbus Company or Bombardier Company designs and produces can be considered a project because the models differ from each other in their features and are marketed to people with various needs, hence creates a uniqueness. 

• It should be completed when its goals and objectives are realized. Goals and objectives always drive the project implementation. Failing to realize the objectives; a project has to be cancelled or re-designed.

Project diversity
A project can be in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes, for instance;

• Be large or small. Constructing a hydroelectric power which costs more than  $2 billions  and that will take 10 to 16 years to complete, is a project which is large in size. Disseminating environmental policy to group of 25 people for 2 weeks, is a project which is small in size.

• Involves many people or just you. Training 36 organization's staff  on Project Evaluation, is a project. Arranging stuff at your penthouse, is a project.

• Defined by a legal contract or informal agreement. Signed contract to customer for electric installation in his/her house, is a project. Informal promise to a pal to fix his PC's window problem, is a project.

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