Lecture 2: What is a Project?
Understanding the Basics
Duration: 30 minutes
Objective:
Define what a project is and distinguish it from operations.
Explore the key characteristics of a project.
Introduce the life cycle of a project.
Provide examples of projects in different industries.
Compare how PMBOK® 6th Edition and PMBOK® 7th Edition define a project and
its management.
Set the foundation for understanding how project management frameworks are applied.
Narration Script:
1. Slide 1: Title Slide – "What is a Project?"
Narration: “Welcome to this lecture, ‘What is a Project?’ In this session, we will define what
constitutes a project, explore its unique characteristics, and compare the way PMBOK® 6th
Edition and PMBOK® 7th Edition approach project management. Understanding the basic
elements of a project is key to mastering project management. Let's get started.”
2. Slide 2: Defining a Project
Slide Content:
Definition: A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product,
service, or result.
Key Characteristics:
o Temporary: Has a defined beginning and end.
o Unique: Produces a one-of-a-kind result.
o Progressive Elaboration: Developed in steps with continuing refinement.
Narration: “At its core, a project is defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a
unique product, service, or result. There are three key characteristics that distinguish projects
from other types of work: they are temporary, meaning they have a clear start and end; they
produce a unique result; and they evolve progressively as the project develops.”
“We can see this in action when launching a new product, constructing a building, or
implementing new software. Unlike ongoing operations, projects have a specific goal that must
be achieved within a defined time frame.”
3. Slide 3: Difference Between Projects and Operations
Slide Content:
Projects:
o Temporary.
o Unique.
o Progressive elaboration.
Operations:
o Ongoing.
o Repetitive.
o Maintain steady-state activities.
Narration: “It’s important to understand how a project differs from regular operations. While
projects are temporary and unique, operations are ongoing and repetitive. For example, a factory
running 24/7 to produce the same product every day is an operational activity, whereas
upgrading the factory’s machinery would be considered a project because it has a start, end, and
specific goals.”
4. Slide 4: Examples of Projects in Different Industries
Slide Content:
Construction: Building a new office complex.
Software Development: Developing a mobile application.
Healthcare: Launching a new patient management system.
Education: Creating an online training program.
Narration: “Projects exist in every industry. For example, in construction, a project might be the
creation of a new office complex. In software development, it could be developing a mobile app.
In healthcare, launching a new patient management system qualifies as a project, and in
education, creating an online training program fits the bill. These examples highlight how
projects are versatile and can be found in all sectors.”
5. Slide 5: The Project Life Cycle
Slide Content:
Stages of a Project Life Cycle:
o Initiating.
o Planning.
o Executing.
o Monitoring and Controlling.
o Closing.
Narration: “Projects follow a life cycle, starting with initiation, moving into planning, then
execution, monitoring and controlling, and finally closing. This sequence helps manage the
project from inception to completion. Each stage has its own objectives and outputs, and together
they form a complete framework for managing projects.”
6. Slide 6: Defining a Project in PMBOK® 6th Edition vs. PMBOK® 7th Edition
Slide Content:
PMBOK® 6th Edition:
o Process-driven.
o Focuses on the 5 process groups and 10 knowledge areas.
PMBOK® 7th Edition:
o Principles-driven.
o Focuses on outcomes and value delivery.
Narration: “When comparing how PMBOK® 6th Edition and PMBOK® 7th Edition define a
project, we see a clear shift. PMBOK® 6th Edition is more process-driven, focusing on 5
process groups and 10 knowledge areas that guide how projects are managed. PMBOK® 7th
Edition introduces a more flexible, principles-driven approach, emphasizing outcomes and value
delivery rather than strict adherence to processes. This shift allows for more adaptability in
today's dynamic project environments.”
7. Slide 7: Key Takeaways
Slide Content:
A project is a temporary, unique endeavor.
Projects differ from ongoing operations.
Projects follow a life cycle from initiation to closing.
PMBOK® 6th and 7th Editions offer different approaches to defining and managing
projects.
Narration: “To summarize, a project is a temporary, unique endeavor designed to achieve a
specific goal. Projects follow a life cycle that takes them from initiation through to closing, and
they differ from operations in their temporary nature. Finally, while PMBOK® 6th Edition
offers a process-based approach to managing projects, PMBOK® 7th Edition focuses on
principles and delivering value.”
PPT Slide Recommendations:
1. Slide 1: Title Slide
o Title: "What is a Project?"
o Subtitle: "Understanding the Basics"
o Visual: Image of a project timeline or project management tools.
2. Slide 2: Defining a Project
o Bullet points explaining the definition and key characteristics of a project.
o Visual: Diagram showing a project's temporary and unique nature.
3. Slide 3: Difference Between Projects and Operations
o Comparison table with bullet points differentiating projects from operations.
o Visual: Side-by-side comparison graphic or icon representation of both.
4. Slide 4: Examples of Projects in Different Industries
o Bullet points with project examples from different industries.
o Visual: Industry-specific images representing each example (e.g., a building for
construction, an app for software development).
5. Slide 5: The Project Life Cycle
o Bullet points listing the five stages of the project life cycle.
o Visual: Life cycle diagram showing the stages as interconnected steps.
6. Slide 6: Defining a Project in PMBOK® 6th Edition vs. PMBOK® 7th Edition
o Comparison table highlighting the differences between the process-driven
approach of PMBOK® 6 and the principles-driven approach of PMBOK® 7.
o Visual: A comparison graphic or flowchart showing the key differences in focus
between the two editions.
7. Slide 7: Key Takeaways
o Summary bullet points highlighting the main points covered in the lecture.
o Visual: An icon representing understanding or a project being completed.
Engagement Activities:
1. Interactive Poll: Ask students, "What type of project have you been involved in
recently?" Provide options (construction, IT, healthcare, education, etc.) and discuss their
involvement in the discussion forum.
2. Discussion Prompt: Ask students to provide an example of a project they’ve worked on
and explain what made it unique or temporary.
3. Assignment: Have students submit a short description of a project they’ve worked on,
including its start and end dates, unique objectives, and how it followed a life cycle.
4. Quiz: After the lecture, include a quiz with 5-10 questions covering the key
characteristics of projects, the differences between projects and operations, and the
project life cycle.
Supplementary Materials:
Reading Assignment: Provide links to PMI articles or whitepapers discussing the
evolution of project management, especially the shift from PMBOK® 6th to PMBOK®
7th Edition.
Template: A downloadable template for outlining a simple project life cycle.
Infographic: A visual infographic comparing PMBOK® 6th and PMBOK® 7th
Edition approaches to managing projects.
This 30-minute lecture introduces students to the foundational elements of project management,
ensuring they understand the nature of projects and how PMBOK® 6th and PMBOK® 7th
Editions approach project management differently. By incorporating real-world examples, visual
aids, and interactive activities, the lecture will be engaging and informative.
If you'd like, I can create the PowerPoint presentation for this lecture as well. Let me know!
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