The Definition of a Project

A project is a co-ordinated set of tasks, which together create a defined new
product, process, or service, within a constrained time and resource budget.

In this lecture, we'll explore the definition of a project, and what it means. Below the video, you'll find a downloadable handout.

This is the same video as appears in The Project Manager's Skills Mastery Program, and a slightly fuller account than a similar one that appears in The Project Manager's Fast Start Program

Is it a Project or Not? Ten Typical Features of a Project

• Defined outcome, product, or thing to be produced
• New, novel, unfamiliar or innovative – needs creative approaches
• Clear start date
• Clear finish date
• Many tasks to be co-ordinated
• Limited resources and budget
• Different people to get involved
• Creates change
• Uncertainty about process or outcomes
• Complex interdependencies among project elements or between the project and other activities

Has what you need to do got many of these features? If it has: call it a project.

An article you may enjoy, on our website is:

• What is Project Management? Definition of Project

Also, 'Is it a Project?' is the first checklist in our Project Management Checklists kit - a toolkit of over 60 checklists to

• speed your project management
• ... and cut out costly mistakes and omissions