Generally, project management is distinguished from the general management of corporations by the mission-oriented nature of a project. A project organization will generally be terminated when the mission is accomplished. According to the Project Management Institute, the discipline of project management can be defined as follows:
''Project management is the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and participation satisfaction''.
By contrast, the general management of business and industrial corporations assumes a broader outlook with greater continuity of operations. Nevertheless, there are sufficient similarities as well as differences between the two so that modern management techniques developed for general management may be adapted for project management.
The basic ingredients for a project management framework may be represented schematically in Figure -1. A working knowledge of general management and familiarity with the special knowledge domain related to the project are indispensable. Supporting disciplines such as computer science and decision science may also play an important role. The representation in Figure -1 reflects only the sources from which the project management framework evolves.
Figure 1: Basic Ingredients in Project Management
Specifically, project management in construction encompasses a set of objectives which may be accomplished by implementing a series of operations subject to resource constraints. There are potential conflicts between the stated objectives with regard to scope, cost, time and quality, and the constraints imposed on human material and financial resources. These conflicts should be resolved at the onset of a project by making the necessary tradeoffs or creating new alternatives.
Task 2
Project Plan
Resource listing
Resources
Availability
Books
Northumbria University Library
IEEE Journals & News paper
NORA, Google Scholar
Microsoft Office applications
University Library, Laboratories
Testing
Computer Laboratory
Table 1: Resource Listing
Time is an important factor when considering project work. One needs time to allow adequate problem diagnosis before decisions are made about appropriate strategies and means of implementation, however, this must remain flexible to allow for unforeseen factors. In order for the project plan to be completed in the given time, it was essential that a software plan was developed using aims and objectives to designated tasks required to achieve and complete them within the time scale. The purpose of the Gantt chart was to construct a time plan scheduling for each individual task. A Gantt chart using Microsoft Project was produced allowed the project to be planned and progress evaluated at a weekly basis by indicating milestones.
TASKS
Days
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
16
17
18
20
21
22
Construct research
Draw up questionnaires
Analysis and redefine problem(s)
Implement findings
Prepare draft report
Begin full data analysis
Write complete assignment
Task 3
Potential Benefits
Technology has evolved so much just in the past decade alone. Computers have gotten faster, phones have gotten smaller, and gadgets have gotten more sophisticated. These advances have allowed for many people to pursue their interest in becoming an entrepreneur. Many people who want to start their own business now have the option of either setting up a physical location or working wherever they want, thanks to technology. There are several benefits of a virtual business: