| Project management is offered as a unique management tool; a discipline different from other non-discrete process management techniques. Project management represents application of management methods using narrow, vertically-oriented knowledge, crossing management skills for team participants as they complete segregated groups of tasks within a compressed time period. In the early 1990s, projects structure claimed to be the cutting edge in management technique. Today certifications, software and publications address the structure and peculiar attributes one must possess to represent him- or herself as a qualified project manager.; This study investigated project management for several purposes. The first was to define the concept, setting aside distinctive structures and attributes. The second was to understand unique tools project management offers to support acute solutions within the discrete discipline. The third objective was to support or refute the hypothesis that these unique and distinctive tools of project management may be leveraged or expanded for industries outside of traditional project management venues. Techniques apply to entities looking to cut costs, develop management skills and support operations by creating finite projects and applying practices to advance shared goals and common objectives.; This study asserts that project management techniques extend beyond previously-mentioned traditional venues, but not from skillfully re-defining new tools or leveraging distinct management theory for outside industries. Instead, research results support a finding that project management is not unique in definition or requirements for a differentiated set of management tools. This inquiry recommends elimination of the phrase "project management," expanding the applicability of management techniques to any venue of behavioral management, supplanting the phrases "transitional management" or "developmental management," and redefine processes to support multi-layered, multi-contextual management to solve focused and defined problems and meet specific objectives.; Research results direct a conclusion that project management relies on well-founded management principles that should extend to diverse contexts and environments. Balance must exist in a strategic business environment to ensure short-term tasks are completed consistently with long-term goals and objectives. This study suggests redirection of practitioner attention to facets of generally sound management practices. Project attributes balance success parameters between short-term completion and long-term strategy to complete both acute and continuous processes. |
