There are several definitions to A Project. Below are a few of them that would definitely help, understand what really A Project is and what does the World Project Mean in real Project World.

1. “A project is defined as a problem solving technique.”

This definition sounds a lot strange but this is how a project is looked at in the real world. I have been involved in a few projects and to get it well done the team has to start form first defining a problem and then one can go with the Programming, Planning and Implementing the project.

2. A Project is “A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service,” according to the Project Management Institute.

With this definition I think it’s important to define a Manager as well.

Project manager: The person ultimately responsible for the success or failure of a project.On the other hand there are some people who are not real project management but placed into the role of project manager by organizational necessity and chance, rather than by design or through choice of career called Accidental project manager.

The reality is that mental preparedness may prove to be just as critical to your ultimate success as a project manager as your knowledge base or skill set. And gaining a sound understanding of what’s involved in the role of a manager.

Project VS Routine

The definition of project varies from one company to another. In some cases, the word is used loosely to describe any task, exceptional or recurring. Thus, a “project” could mean any routine that demands time.

We can distinguish between a project and a routine in two ways,

A . A project is an exception. A project involves investigating, compiling, arranging, and reporting information outside the range of usual activities while routine is defined within the range of a department’s function.

Example: The manager of a customer service department prepares monthly reports identifying customer contact trends (complaints, inquiries, suggestions) as part of her routine. When she is given the task of investigating and comparing automated customer service software, she is responsible for a project.

 B. Project activities are related. Routines for recurring tasks performed in your department are related to the activities that define and distinguish that department only, whereas the activities involved in project phases are related to one another and to a desired end result. So your project may involve coordinating work that not only takes place in your immediate department but extends to actions in other departments, as well as to outside resources.