Projects and Operational Work

Understanding the difference between project and operations in an organization is vital as any of the activities performed by the organization in order to achieve an objective fall on to one of these two categories.  There are certain characteristics which are shared by these two categories and PMBOK (2008) reflects them as follows;

• Performed by individuals
• Limited by constraints and resources
• Planned, executed, monitored and controlled
• Performed to achieve organizational objectives or strategic plans

Before reflecting on the difference let’s take a look at the definitions given by PMBOK (2008) for project and operations.

Project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or a result.

Operations are ongoing and produce repetitive products, services or results.

The following figure provides a concise reflection of the difference between Projects and ongoing operations by exposing their unique characteristics.

Figure : Characteristics of Project and Operations

Due to their temporary and unique nature projects differ from ongoing operations though operations assist the projects to meet its success.

References

·  PMBOK Guide, 2008. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Fourth Edition.