What is a Project?
A project is a unique and temporary task with a clear beginning and end. It includes specific
goals and deliverables. Projects involve a series of tasks that must be done to reach a final
result. To succeed, they need teamwork and careful planning.
What is Project Management?
Project management means using the right knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet
the project’s goals. It helps make sure the project is done on time, within budget, and meets
expectations.
Why is Project Management Important?
It helps organizations:
Save time and money
Stay on track
Meet goals successfully
Real-Life Example
A school district signs a deal with a telehealth company so students can see doctors without
leaving school. That’s a project—it has a clear goal and deadline.
Tasks in this project include:
Training teachers on how to use the tech
Budgeting for tablets and computers
Keeping good communication between schools, doctors, and the telehealth company
Doing all these steps well is project management.
Project Managers at Google
At Google, project managers are often called program managers. They handle many projects
at once for products or teams.
For example, one Responsible Innovation Program Manager helps make sure:
Google follows its AI principles
Tech and research are done responsibly
Everything aligns with Google’s goals
Their work includes planning, budgeting, organizing tasks, and controlling costs.
Summary
A project has a clear goal and end
Project management helps it succeed
It saves time, money, and keeps things on track
What Do Project Managers Do?
Now that we know what project management is and why it’s important, let’s look at what
project managers actually do each day.
Daily Work of a Project Manager
Project managers follow a process that includes:
Planning and organizing
Managing tasks
Budgeting and controlling costs
All of this helps make sure the project is finished on time and within budget. They also make
sure the project adds value to the company—like creating a new service or improving an old
one.
How Do Project Managers Add Value?
They make sure every project:
Reaches its goal
Meets the company’s needs
Helps customers or improves services
Their role is to guide the project to success.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
It depends on the project and industry. For example, the work will be different if you're:
Building a new structure
Managing a renewable energy product
Running your own event planning business
But most project managers still do these key tasks every day:
1. Planning and Organizing
Find out what the project needs to achieve
Talk to team members or customers to gather requirements
Make a project plan to guide the team and keep things moving
2. Managing Tasks
Help team members stay on track
Share updates with the team and customers
Make sure everyone knows what’s happening and what’s next
3. Budgeting and Cost Control
Keep an eye on how money is being spent
Adjust if plans change or unexpected costs come up
Make sure the project doesn’t go over budget
It’s a Busy Job!
Project managers use many tools, techniques, and methods every day
No two days are the same—there’s always something new to handle
The Best Part?
Many project managers say the best part is watching the project grow from start to finish. It’s
exciting to create something from nothing.
Example 1: Planning a Surprise Birthday Party
If you’ve ever planned a surprise party, you’ve already used project management skills:
Planning and organizing the event
Sending invitations
Budgeting for food, decorations, and space
Managing tasks like timing the surprise
Even if some things went wrong (like the guest arriving early), if the party made them feel
special, it was a successful project!
Example 2: Working in Retail or Service
If you’ve worked in retail or customer service, you might have:
Managed employee schedules
Planned who works best together
Made sure all duties were covered
Considered availability and time off
These are all skills used in project management!
Example 3: Moving to a New Place
If you’ve ever moved, you likely:
Coordinated help from friends or family
Budgeted for moving trucks, boxes, and supplies
Packed by room and labelled everything
That’s a real-life example of managing a project!
You Already Have Valuable Skills
All of these everyday experiences show you have skills in:
Planning
Time management
Budgeting
Leadership
Communication
Problem-solving
Transferable Skills Across Industries
Skills learned in one industry often apply to another.
Technology changes constantly, creating a need for process management.
Companies across all industries need people to manage projects from start to finish.
Project Management Is Broad
You don’t need deep technical expertise to manage projects.
You can work in fields like:
Construction
Technology
Healthcare (e.g., patient management)
Energy (e.g., environmental project manager)
