Operation Managment

Chapter No. 1

Introduction to Project Management

Introduction:

This chapter introduces the process of project initiation and concludes by discussing the underlying causes of success in projects now and in the future. For facilitate an understanding of the nature of “Projects” and the role of “Project Management” its first necessary to confirm the accepted meaning of these terms.

Project:

A project is a complex, non-routine, one-time effort limited by time, budget, resources, and performance specifications designed to meet customer needs. Like most organizational effort, the major goal of a project is to satisfy a customer’s need. Beyond this fundamental similarity, the characteristics of a project help differentiate it from other endeavors of the organization.

The major characteristics of a project are as follows:

1. An established objective.

2. A defined life span with a beginning and an end.

3. Usually, the involvement of several departments and professionals.

4. Typically, doing something that has never been done before.

5. Specific time, cost, and performance requirements.

What a Project is not:

A project is not an everyday, routine and repetitive work. A project is only done once.

When the project is done, a new product or service exists.

* Programs versus Projects

* Terms are often interchanged

* Both are directed toward goals and require plans and resources to reach their goals

* Both use similar tools, methods, policies

* Differences lies primarily in scope and time horizon

The Project Life Cycle:

Another way of illustrating the unique nature of project work is in terms of the project life cycle. The lifecycle recognizes that projects have a limited life span and that there are Predictable changes in level of effort and focus over the life of the project. There are number of different life-cycle models in project management literature. Many are unique to a specific industry or type of project. The project life cycle...