Execution Excellence

24Running a Best-in-Class Project Management OfficeYou Can't Do It without a Command Center

Everything Is a Project

Projects are how we convert possibilities into realities; however, all projects are not the same. Some projects are small, while others are big. Some require detailed planning and complex processes; others need to be carried out dynamically and in a more flexible manner. Some are complicated, requiring multiple people and technology; others are more straightforward and easy to execute.

A project, which has a well-defined beginning and end, is designed to deliver a unique outcome in terms of product, service, or result. Based on this definition, most, if not all activities we encounter on a day-to-day basis fall under the category of a project, right from planning a party to getting a medical check-up. In business as well, we see more projects today than ever before. This can be a good thing. Approaching work like a project encourages people to be more disciplined and focused on delivering outcomes.

Managing several projects systematically and efficiently, and ensuring their successful outcomes, has often been a daunting task for many organizations. This is particularly true for larger companies or companies dealing with change. Program Management helps address this challenge. According to the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge), a program is a group of related projects and program management is the management of these projects in a coordinated and synchronized ...