CHAPTER 1

Introduction to Project Management

Hand Out # 1

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter you will be able to:

1. Explain what a project is and provide examples of information technology projects

2. Describe what project management is and discuss key elements of the project
management framework

3. Describe how project management relates to other disciplines

4. Understand the history of project management

5. Explain the growing need for better project management, especially for information
technology projects

6. Describe the project management profession, including recent trends in project

management certification and software products

Chapter Outline

What is a Project?
What is Project Management?
How Project Management Relates to Other Disciplines
History of Project Management
The Project Management Profession
Project Management Careers
Project Management Certification
Code of Ethics
Project Management Software

1
 Lecture Notes
What is a Project?

The definition of a project – a temporary endeavor undertaken to

accomplish a unique purpose. The attributes of a project are:

 has a unique purpose

 is temporary
 requires resources (often from various areas)
 should have a primary sponsor or customer
 involves uncertainty.

The triple constraint of project management scope, time, and cost are
the main goals.

2
What is Project Management?

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and

techniques to project activities in order to meet project requirements.
Figure 1-2 provides a great visual framework. The examples of a WBS
(Work Based Structures), Gantt chart, network diagram, and earned value
chart as a few tools unique to project management.

3
How Project Management Relates to Other Disciplines

The project management overlaps with the general management

knowledge and practice, as well as with the project's application areas,
knowledge, and practice. Example to distinguish unique aspects of each
discipline, such as, KSU (the idea of KSU was project and building works
all related by the Project Manager, but after the completion of this phase
the operational phase starts and at this point the job of General Manager
takes place).

The Project Management Profession

Students/others are usually very interested in learning more about career
options. Many may not have considered being project managers or their
roles as project team members. The PMP certification and code of ethics
are also important parts of the profession. Students should also be aware
of the growth in project management software products in the past few
years. Project 2010 (any latest version) in the back of the text and
instructions on using it in Appendix A.

4
Definitions related to PM

Job: (mission/post): The work that you do regularly to earn money.

Job can be full-time or Part time, temporary or permanent, high paid
or low paid, job sharing, etc.

Task: (Duty): A piece of work to be done, e.g., they gave me the

task of organizing the picnic trip, etc.

Assignment: (Allocation): A job or type of work that you are

given to do, to make you responsible.