Course in basics of project management

Qualification code: 7215-X

Project management focuses on the management of PROJECTS. Given the unique, non-representative temporary nature of projects, it is obvious that we have to do with a management environment that is quite different from that of continuous or repetitive or batch or job type working activities and systems. Standard management principles and procedures thus cannot be applied to projects wthout making provision for the distinctive environments in which they come to fruition.

From its very name, "project management", we find there are clearly two aspects which are inherently part of this now, very popular and widely recognised "best approach" to managing projects. First, it deals with "projects" and secondly it concerns the "management" of these projects.

A project is defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI) as "any undertaking with a defined starting point and defined objectives by which completion is identified. In practice, most projects depend on finite or limited resources by which the objectives are to be accomplished" (PMBOK 1987:0-2)**. Given  the temporary nature of projects and the limited resources with which predetermined project objectives have to be achieved, it is essential that the management approach that is appropriate  to the distinctive circumstances of project environments be adopted. A management approach that has specific application in the area of projects is project management.