PROJECTS –IN THE REAL WORLD
Numerous and varied are the definitions and interpretations of what a ‘project’ means. In most situations the tests that distinguishes a normal operational activity from a project are:
- A project is a temporary endeavor;
- It has a definite start and end;
- It is performed to a defined scope;
- The outcome or end result is a product or service or simply a change
And finally;
- It is performed to rigid time, cost and quality standard.
This definition of a project or these predefined criteria has set perceptions in the minds of people involved in a project. To top these defined criteria comes the ‘project elements’ – projects should be effectively initiated, planned, executed, monitored, controlled, and closed in order to meet its end objectives. These being ardent by itself, the understanding that all projects have to be managed – for its scope, time, cost, quality, people, procurement, communications, risks, stakeholders and above all integrating all of these into one coherent piece – the perception that a project is indeed complicated reaches its zenith.
Whilst all of the above are deemed mandatory and cannot be ignored, a better way to understand projects in a deeper sense, justify why this great responsibility is bestowed on the shoulders of people executing projects is to view the project in the real world. When viewed or defined in the real world, projects get a new meaning and importance.
In the real world:
- Projects are coping with a perpetual series of incessant crisis.
- Projects are about getting things done properly.
- Project things are done by people, for the people.
- Project is a process of moving from the unknown to the known.
- Project is balancing the Time, Cost and Quality Equation.
An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory – lets look into each of the above
real world project concepts to realize a new definition.. (to be continued)
Ram N Ramakrishnan
Executive Director – Client Services
