Defining a project

What exactly is a project? A project is defined as something temporary and unique, which could mean anything from building a massive highway system to building a new data center, setting up a help desk, or upgrading hardware or software for your organization. A project doesn't necessarily have to produce anything that is a tangible product; it could also produce a service or result. You may very well be updating a process in your organization or perhaps reorganizing your helpdesk. It may feel like you're fulfilling your day-to-day position while working in your organization, but if it is temporary and unique, it's a project.

Businesses are in the business of making money and often, projects are undertaken for that very reason – whether it's to develop a new product, service, or result, or to improve business practices to save the organization money.

While it may not feel temporary and unique, projects can be best defined that way...