A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service. It has defined start and end dates, objectives to be met, and resources allocated. There are typically five stages of project management: 1) initiating and visualizing the project, 2) planning the project, 3) designing processes and deliverables, 4) implementing and tracking the project, and 5) evaluating and closing out the project. Common reasons for project failure include poor planning, lack of leadership, inadequate stakeholder engagement, insufficient budgeting, and scope creep. Proper execution of a project involves managing the team and scope, recommending changes, communicating with stakeholders, celebrating milestones, and documenting changes.

1.  What is Project and its characteristics?
A project is a combination of set objectives to be accomplished within a fixed period.
They are an excellent opportunity to organize business and non-business goals
efficiently.
Its characteristics includes the following:
1. Projects are Bound by Time
2. Projects are Purposeful
3. Projects Progress Through a Life Cycle to Accomplish Goals
4. Projects are Unique
5. Projects are Channels Used to Venture Into the Unfamiliar
6. Projects Require Cross-Departmental Collaboration
7. A Project is a Single Entity
 What are the different stages of project management?
Stage 1: Visualizing, selling, and initiating the project
An effective way to get buy-in for a project or idea is to link it to what is
important to the person or group you are approaching and demonstrate that you are
openly soliciting their input. By doing so, they can help shape the concept.
Stage 2: Planning the project
Apply the Plan Do Check Act
Stage 3: Designing the processes and outputs (deliverables)
When the project is approved, the project team may proceed with the content
design along with the persons or items needed to implement the project.
The design process includes defining:
 Measurements
 The monitoring method
 Status reporting protocols
 Evaluation criteria
 Design of the ultimate processes and outputs
 Implementation schedules
Stage 4: Implementing and tracking the project
The project design team may also implement the project, possibly with the
help of additional personnel. A trial or test implementation may be used to check out
the project design and outputs to determine if they meet the project objectives.
Using the planned reporting methods, the implementation team monitors the
project and reports on its status to appropriate interested parties at designated
project milestones. Interim results may also be communicated to interested parties.
The implementation team makes any course corrections and trade-offs that may be
necessary and are approved.
Stage 5: Evaluating and closing out the project
The implementation team officially closes the project when the scheduled
tasks have been completed.
Usually evaluations are done to determine:

2.  Objectives met versus objectives planned
 Actual tasks and events scheduled versus planned
 Resources used versus planned resource usage
 Costs versus budget
 Organizational outcomes achieved versus planned outcomes; any
unplanned outcomes
 Effectiveness of project planning team (optional)
 Effectiveness of implementation team (optional)
 Team’s compilation of project documents, evaluations, and lessons learned
 Why do project fail?
1. Poor planning: Inadequate project planning can lead to scope creep, unclear
objectives, unrealistic deadlines, and inefficient resource allocation. Without a well-
defined plan, it becomes challenging to achieve project success.
2. Lack of leadership: Ineffective leadership or a lack of project governance can
hinder project progress. A project manager must provide clear direction, motivate the
team, resolve conflicts, and make timely decisions. Without strong leadership, project
goals may not be achieved.
3. Inadequate stakeholder engagement: Failure to engage and involve stakeholders
throughout the project lifecycle can lead to misalignment of expectations, poor
communication, and conflicts. It is crucial to identify key stakeholders, understand
their needs, and keep them informed and involved.
4. Insufficient budget and resource allocation: Inaccurate budget estimation,
inadequate resource allocation, or poor resource management can result in delays,
quality issues, and ultimately project failure. Properly estimating the required
resources and securing adequate funding is essential for project success.
5. Scope creep: Project scope creep refers to uncontrolled changes or additions to
project requirements after the project has started. Scope creep can lead to timeline
extensions, increased costs, and decreased team motivation. Effective change
control processes are necessary to manage scope changes and prevent project
failure.
6. Lack of risk management: Failing to identify, assess, and mitigate risks can have
severe consequences on project outcomes. Risks such as unforeseen events,
resource constraints, or technical challenges can arise during the project life cycle. A
comprehensive risk management plan is essential to minimize project failure risks.
7. Ineffective communication: Poor communication among project team members,
stakeholders, or across different departments can lead to misunderstandings, delays,
and reduced collaboration. Effective communication channels, regular progress
updates, and active listening are crucial for successful project management.
8. Inadequate project monitoring and control: Without proper project monitoring and
control, it becomes difficult to identify deviations from the plan, address issues
promptly, and take corrective actions. Regularly tracking project progress against
milestones and metrics is essential to keep the project on track.
9. Unrealistic expectations: Setting unrealistic expectations regarding project
deliverables, timelines, or resource availability can set the project up for failure from
the beginning. Clear communication about project limitations and managing
stakeholder expectations is vital for project success. 10. Lack of lessons learned and
continuous improvement: Failing to analyze and incorporate lessons learned from
previous projects can lead to recurring mistakes and inefficiencies. Encouraging a
culture of continuous improvement and documenting lessons learned can help avoid
project failures in the future.
 What are the procedures in the execution of a project?

3.  Execute the project scope;
 Manage the team’s work;
 Recommend changes and corrective actions;
 Manage project communication with stakeholders;
 Conduct team-building exercises;
 Celebrate project milestones and motivate team members;
 Hold status review meetings to make sure everything is on schedule; and
 Document all changes to the project plan