A project is an activity which has specific start and finish dates, a clear objective and defined resource requirements (finance and personnel).

It will most probably include a number of independent or inter-related tasks.

This distinguishes it from an ongoing activity, eg a landscape project as compared to routine garden maintenance. Project management from project initiation, through tracking progress to project close out will require many skills including, communication, team leadership, risk management, financial reporting and managing meetings. Typically, progress will be recorded using a Gantt or PERT chart and formal reporting procedures.

The minimum timespan of the project will be defined by its critical path but a key aspect is the identification, recording and management of potential risks that may cause delay and incur unforecasted cost. It is key to appreciate from the beginning the importance of risk management. Some project managers will apply a fixed percentage contingency, say 10% or 15% to the plan but a detailed, analytical approach will create a more realistic picture.

The scheduling of routine progress reviews will depend on the complexity and duration of the project but project management discipline dictates these should not be ignored. It is essential to ensure that at the review the appropriate personnel are available to provide accurate information. In the current era of mobile and internet accessibility this is no longer dependent on face to face inclusion.

Those attending the initiation, progress and close out meetings should have the knowledge and authority to make decisions, especially so if these decisions are critical to the success of the project. Engaging the customer at every stage and keeping them routinely aware of progress is essential, most importantly if problems are encountered.