FAQs
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is designed to answer your questions about the Project Management Office (PMO), and the services, processes and tools we use to manage projects for Rowan University. If you have any questions that aren't covered here, email us at pmo@rowan.edu or call 856-256-4400 and select option 4.Projects Versus Operations
One of the most common questions we receive is whether a particular effort is a project or part of operations. Projects are temporary endeavors undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. Projects are temporary activities or tasks with a scheduled start and end date.
Operations, on the other hand, focus on the production of repetitive products and/or services. Operations are ongoing, routine tasks that adhere to a team’s procedures. See below for more detail and examples.
More FAQs
What are projects versus operations?
What Are Projects?
Projects are temporary endeavors undertaken to create a unique product, service or result.
Projects are temporary activities or tasks with a scheduled start and end date. They are often unique and created with a specific end goal, such as a new product or service that creates value for a team. After project completion, the team moves on to other projects or operational tasks.
Examples of Projects
- Constructing a building.
- Development or improvement of a business process within an organization.
- Development of software application.
- Installation of IT infrastructure within an organization.
Involvement Levels
- Projects are undertaken at all organizational levels.
- Can involve a single person or a group.
- Can involve a single organization or multiple organizations.
What Are Operations?
Operations focus on the production of repetitive products and/or services. Operations are ongoing, routine tasks that adhere to a team’s procedures. They don’t produce new deliverables and are less risky to affecting a team’s success because the team is familiar with calculating their performance, cost, time and objectives. Operations are permanent and produce the same result or service to sustain a team’s daily affairs.
Examples of Operations
- Production/Manufacturing
- Customer Services
- Standard Installation Service
- Accounting
Involvement Levels
- Operations are undertaken throughout the entire organization.
- Involve only homogenous department/division (functional)
What is a project?
A project is a temporary endeavor designed to achieve a specific goal or objective within a defined timeframe and with limited resources. Projects are often unique and complex, requiring a coordinated effort of various individuals, teams, or departments to achieve the desired outcome.
Projects can range from building a new product or service, implementing a new system, process, or technology, to organizing an event, conducting research, or developing a new strategy. Projects typically involve a series of interconnected tasks and activities that need to be planned, executed, monitored, and controlled to achieve the desired outcome.
Effective project management is critical to ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Project managers are responsible for overseeing the project and ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged and informed throughout the project lifecycle.
How do we manage projects?
Starting a project requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps we follow:
1. Requirements Gathering
Identify requirements that must be satisfied in the final solution for the project to be considered a success.
2. Define Project Scope
Clearly define what the project aims to accomplish, what the deliverables are, and what success looks like.
3. Set Project Goals
Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for the project.
4. Create a Project Plan
Develop a project plan that includes a timeline, milestones, resources needed, and a budget.
5. Identify Project Team
Identify the team members who will be responsible for the project and their roles and responsibilities.
6. Assign Tasks
Assign specific tasks to team members and establish deadlines for completion.
7. Develop a Communication Plan
Establish how you will communicate with the team and stakeholders, including the frequency and format of updates.
8. Implement the Plan
Begin executing the project plan and monitor progress against the timeline and milestones.
9. Test and Refine
Test the project deliverables and refine them as necessary to ensure they meet the project goals.
10. Launch the Project
Once the project is complete, launch it and measure its success against the established goals.
Remember to stay organized, communicate effectively, and be flexible throughout the project.
What is a feasibility study?
A feasibility study is an assessment of the practicality of a proposed project or solution. The goal of a feasibility study is to determine whether the solution is technically feasible, financially viable, and operationally practical.
The study typically involves a comprehensive analysis of various factors, such as the project's scope, timeline, budget, risks, benefits, stakeholders, resources, and impact on the environment or society. It may also involve conducting surveys, market research, and other data collection activities to evaluate the demand and feasibility of the project or solution.
Based on the results of the feasibility study, stakeholders can make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the project or solution, modify the scope or approach, or abandon it altogether. In many cases, a feasibility study is a prerequisite for obtaining funding or regulatory approvals for a project or solution.
What is a project request form?
A project request form is a formal document utilized to request the initiation of a new project within an organization. Typically submitted by individuals or teams with the authority to allocate resources, the project request form outlines key project details such as scope, objectives, timelines, budget, and required resources. It may also include expected outcomes, benefits, and potential risks.
The project request form undergoes review by a project management office or a similar team to assess feasibility and determine approval. If approved, the project request form becomes the basis for further planning and development, contributing to careful consideration and proper planning of new projects to enhance success and minimize the risk of failure.
What is a project scope document?
What is a project charter?
A project charter is a formal document that outlines the purpose, objectives and scope of a project. It is usually developed by the project sponsor, project manager or a team of stakeholders.
The project charter serves as a guidepost for the project team and helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project has a clear understanding of its goals, objectives, and scope.
What is a project closure document?
A project closure document, also known as a project closure report or post-implementation review, is a formal document that summarizes the outcomes and results of a completed project. The document is typically created at the end of a project and serves as a reference point for evaluating the project's success and identifying opportunities for improvement in future projects.