Session 1 - Introduction to Projects and Project Scope

1. Defining the project

What is a Project?

A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to accomplish a unique purpose. Projects normally involve several people performing interrelated activities as part of a team.

"A project is a temporary endeavor designed to produce a unique product, service or result with a defined beginning and end (usually time-constrained, and often constrained by funding or deliverable) undertaken to meet unique goals and objectives, typically to bring about beneficial change or added value. The temporary nature of projects stands in contrast with business as usual (or operations), which are repetitive, permanent, or semi-permanent functional activities to produce products or services. In practice, the management of such distinct production approaches requires the development of distinct technical skills and management strategies."
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_management





The following attributes relate to a project:

  • A project has a unique purpose. Every project should have a well-defined objective and should provide a unique product, service, or result.
  • A project is temporary. A project has a definite beginning and a definite end and must be completed within the time span.
  • A project requires resources, often from various areas. Resources include people, hardware, software, or other assets. Many projects cross departmental or other boundaries in order to achieve their unique purposes.
  • A project should have a primary sponsor or customer. Most projects have many interested parties or stakeholders, but someone must take the primary role of sponsorship. The project sponsor usually provides the direction and funding for the project.
  • A project involves uncertainty. Because every project is unique, it is sometimes difficult to clearly define the project’s objectives, estimate how long it will take to complete, or how much it will cost. The uncertainty is one of the main reasons project management is so challenging, especially on projects involving new technologies.

Class Discussion


Has anyone been involved in a project?
  • What was  the project?
  • Was it successful?
  • How was success measured?
Can anyone think of a real project that they consider successful? How do you measure success?

Can anyone think of a real project that was NOT Successful? Why wasn't it successful?

What is Project Management?




Source: https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/what-is-project-management/

Project Life Cycle


Source: https://www.smartsheet.com/blog/demystifying-5-phases-project-management

Our Class learning project

As part of our learning, we will apply the principles of project work to class scenario.

"THE BIG MOVE"

Scenario: Mysty River Regional Library Services' new home has been completed and the old library needs to be relocated into the new premises. New shelving has been delivered, but the old shelving needs to be dismantled so that it can be reused by the local secondary college and 2 primary schools. It has been agreed, for WHS reasons, that the library will close during the transition. It is anticipated that the process will take 2 weeks, but the library will only be closed for 1 week.  There is a budget that allows for employment of extra staff, volunteers, outside contractors, and any other required resources.

Phase 1 - Project Charter and Project Initiation

This is your "big picture" view of the project. It contains a broad overview of your project and could include a feasibility study. A feasibility study will determine whether the project is likely to go ahead. It will look at any technical issues, WHS, financial constraints, environmental issues and government or legal ramifications.

Your project charter will outline the business need or reason for the project and will indicate details of all the project stakeholders.

Who is a Stakeholder? A stakeholder is ANYONE who will be affected by the project.

Class Activity


Define the project charter for our "THE BIG MOVE".
Who are the Stakeholders?
What are the constraints?

Download the free Project Charter Word Template from
http://project-management.magt.biz/templates/


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