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PROJECT CHECK

Project or routine task?

Once the customer has placed an order, the work can begin. But how can this be done in a qualified manner? The first question is whether the task is a project [9].
This can be checked using the project check with seven questions:

The project check – difference between project and routine task.

If the answer to every question is "yes"
Very good, then it can be assumed that the new task is a project.

If the answers to some of the questions is "no"
That's not a problem because some aspects of the task can be supported by project management methods.

If most answers are "no"
That's no problem either, in this case the task can be planned as a routine operation.


What is known about the following points and what has already been said about them is now written down.

  • Is there a goal defined before the start of work? Is there a customer need? Is there a rough idea of the end product?
  • Are there limited resources available? Which supporters, machines, systems, etc. are only available to a limited extent? When is this support needed? Are there other limitations?
  • Does it require interdisciplinary work? What expertise do those involved need to contribute? What training should they have? Do the helpers come from different departments, areas, companies, cultural backgrounds?
  • Is there a defined responsibility for results? Who is your customer? Who will provide the necessary resources? Can individual areas of the project be summarised and delegated?
  • Is it a complex project? Are the helpers geographically distributed? Does everyone speak the same language? Do all those involved understand each other? Are there any coordination problems, e.g. due to different technical terms?
  • Is this a new type of project? Can I possibly draw on knowledge from similar projects? Can individual work processes be derived from routine activities?
  • Defined beginning and end? Is there a time limit or a delivery date?