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From Dream to Reality
xxxxxx
University xxxxxx
November 4, 2007
Definition, Vision and Scope
With today businesses constantly embracing the technological advances that are made on a
daily basis there becomes an increasing need for someone to supply the foresight, ability
and commitment to ensure that these new technologies are implemented as seamlessly and
successfully as possible. The Project Manager is just the person for the job. This paper will
examine this career and explore the benefits of working in this profession. It will provide a
look into the life of current Project Managers and their thoughts and concerns regarding
their profession.
Project management is the art and science of converting vision into reality (Atkinson,
1999). Project management delivers results. Project managers enjoy the challenge of
juggling multiple responsibilities and optimizing workflow in a highly competitive
environment. From managing the development of a website to launching new company
wide integration system, project managers keep projects on time, on track and within
budget. Strong business, management and organizational skills as well as experience with
current technologies put qualified candidates in high demand in this extraordinary career
field. The practice of project management focuses efforts on your mission by defining
priorities, utilizing resources, and producing outstanding goods and services for businesses
and customers alike. A successful project translates a broad public mission into concrete
results and outcomes.
A project is defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or
service (PMI, 2000). A project exists only after a decision has been made to address a
specific business need, either internal or external (customer need) to the organization,
funding is available to support its execution, and measurable goals and objectives are well
defined. Without knowing the expected results, quality level or capability of the end
product, a project is difficult to plan, execute or conclude. A project is temporary in that
there is a defined start (the decision to proceed) and a defined end (the achievement of the
goals and objectives). Ongoing business or maintenance operations are not projects.
Because projects are temporary in nature, project managers are constantly evolving and
looking forward to the next new challenge in their career.
Figure 1 shows the general process flow of a standard project. This process flow can be
applied to a number of projects of different size, scope and difficulty.
Figure 1 Project Flow
Figure 2 shows the various knowledge areas as they can be can be applied to project
management. Various knowledge areas will be evident throughout the life cycle of any
