Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.

A project is defined as a "planned set of interrelated tasks to be executed over a fixed period and within certain costs and other limitations." A project, then, could be something outside or in addition to the company norm for a typical business day. Perhaps a business upgrade, financial need or client request may be the catalyst for a project's origination.

The parameters of a project will include a clear goal to reach, so by nature, projects include a start and finish line to accomplish a unique, particular outcome. This short-term undertaking will require a specified timeline, clear scope, designated budget and human capital resources that include a project team and manager.

The development of software for an improved business process, the construction of a building or bridge, the relief effort after a natural disaster, the expansion of sales into a new geographic market — all are projects.
And all must be expertly managed to deliver the on-time, on-budget results, learning and integration that organizations need.