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Project management definitions

Knowledge about different definitions and summary of the core aspects from these definitions

A smiling man sitting by a table taking notes in his notebook.

This activity is about understanding what characterizes project management in different settings and contexts.

In a similar way of presenting project definitions, examples of project management definitions are from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the International Project Management Association (IMPA).

The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements (PMI).

The application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to the project acceptance criteria within agreed parameters. Project management has final deliverables that are constrained to a finite timescale and budget (IPMA).

To increase our understanding of project management, further elaboration of the definitions follows. To manage projects we need knowledge of the many different principles, processes, methods and tools that are available, and more important, skills of how to apply them in practice. Projects imply by definition to consider different constraints, mainly time and cost limits, and scope specification. In addition, a project has different stakeholders (for example clients, authorities and governance functions) that have requirements on project performance and results.