Question

Differentiate between project and operation

Answer 1

Projects

According to PMI’s PMBOK® Guide, a project is “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result”.

Using that definition, a project is temporary in nature, having a defined start and end date, and produces a unique output. Projects are conducted as a means to obtain the organization’s strategic objectives and are considered above and beyond normal organizational operations.

Operations

Operations, however, are the ongoing, routine activities that are involved in the organization’s primary business. This is the “keeping-the-lights-on” work, such as staffing management, payroll, product production, service delivery, etc. As such, operations includes all of the “normal” business functions.