Project management is the process of planning, organising, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals and meet project requirements. 

It involves defining project scope, schedules, budgets, and goals; coordinating tasks and resources; monitoring progress and making adjustments to ensure successful completion.

20 frequently asked questions about project management with answers

What is project management?

Project management is the process of planning, organising, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals and meet project requirements.

What are the five stages of project management?

Initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure.

What are the critical elements of project management?

Scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, and stakeholders.

What is the PMP certification?

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognised certification for project managers.

What is the purpose of project management?

Project management aims to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget and to stakeholders' satisfaction.

What is a project charter?

A project charter is a document that outlines the purpose, goals, and stakeholders of a project.

What is the project triangle?

The project triangle, also known as the triple constraint, represents the three elements that must be managed in balance to complete a project: scope, schedule, and cost.

What is a project manager responsible for?

A project manager is responsible for defining project scope, schedules, budgets, and goals; coordinating tasks and resources; monitoring progress and making adjustments to ensure successful completion.

What is a Gantt chart?

A Gantt chart is a visual tool used in project management to represent a project schedule and track progress.

Do project managers need a degree?

It depends on the organisation and the industry. A bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, such as business administration, engineering, or construction management, is often preferred by some employers. However, some organisations value relevant experience and project management certifications, such as PMP (Project Management Professional), over formal education. Ultimately, the requirements for a project manager vary and can depend on the project's size and complexity.

How to become a project manager with no experience?

Here are the steps to becoming a project manager with no experience:

1. Get educated: Consider obtaining a degree or certification in project management, such as PMP, to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field.
2. Gain relevant experience: Look for opportunities to work on smaller projects or volunteer to assist with project management tasks in your current role.
3. Build your network: Connect with experienced project managers, attend industry events, and join professional organisations to expand your knowledge and build relationships.
4. Develop skills: Enhance your communication, leadership, and risk management skills to prepare yourself for a project management role.
5. Seek out entry-level opportunities: Look for entry-level project management positions, internships or entry-level roles in related fields that could lead to project management opportunities.
6. Continuously learn and grow: Stay up-to-date on industry trends, new methodologies and technologies, and develop your skills to become a more well-rounded project manager.

How long does it take to be a project manager?

The time required to become a project manager varies based on education, experience, and professional development. Becoming a project manager requires a combination of education, experience, and professional development and can take several years. Obtaining a degree in a related field can take 4-6 years while getting certified in project management, like PMP, can take several months to a year. Gaining relevant work experience can take several years, while continuous skill-building and knowledge acquisition can be ongoing.

What is agile project management?

Agile project management is a flexible approach to project management that emphasises collaboration, adaptability, and iteration.

What is a sprint in agile?

A sprint is a short, time-boxed period in which a specific set of tasks are completed in an agile project.

What is a product backlog in agile?

A product backlog is a prioritised list of requirements in an agile project that the development team uses to guide their work.

What is Scrum in project management?

Scrum is an agile framework for managing and completing complex projects.

What is the difference between Waterfall and Agile project management?

The waterfall is a sequential, linear approach to project management, while Agile is a flexible, iterative approach that values collaboration and adaptability.

What is a stakeholder in project management?

A stakeholder is an individual or group with an interest or concern in a project and its outcomes.

What is a project schedule?

A project schedule is a timeline that outlines the planned start and end dates for tasks and milestones in a project.

What is a critical path in project management?

The critical path is the sequence of tasks in a project with the most extended duration, and any delay in these tasks will delay the completion of the entire project.