Find below the PMI, APM and PRINCE2 definitions of a project. They’re practically the same, but we’re being thorough. I’ve met too many project managers that can’t define what a project is and then wonder why things are going wrong.

PMI defines a project as “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.”

APM defines a project as “a unique, transient endeavour undertaken to bring about change and to achieve planned objectives.”

PRINCE2 defines a project as “a temporary organization that is created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to an agreed Business Case.”

Okay, let’s see those definitions together.

Whilst they have some variations on how they define what they’re delivering – a unique product, service, result or planned objectives, or an agreed business case – what they are very aligned on is the temporary nature of the work. So there you have it. Projects are temporary endeavours that deliver…something!

Question of the Day – which of the definitions most closely matches your understanding of projects?  Answers in the comments please.