Project management terminology simply explained

Confused by project management jargon? Our glossary breaks down key terms in simple, easy-to-understand language. Get clarity and speak the lingo with confidence.

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Project Management

Accountability in Project Management

Accountability in project management means ensuring everyone involved takes responsibility for their tasks, helping projects stay on track and goals met.
Project Management

Action Plan

An action plan is a detailed strategy outlining steps to achieve specific goals or tasks in a project, helping to keep everything on track.
Project Management

Agile Project Management

Agile project management is a flexible approach that focuses on delivering projects in small, manageable increments, allowing for quick adjustments along the way.
Project Management

Audit Trail

An audit trail is a chronological record of all financial transactions, providing transparency and accountability in project management.
Project Management

Baseline Management

Baseline management is the process of establishing and maintaining a project's original plan, ensuring all changes are tracked and assessed.
Project Management

Baseline Schedule

A baseline schedule is the approved version of a project timeline, used to measure progress and manage changes throughout the project.
Project Management

Benchmark Analysis

Benchmark analysis is the process of comparing your project's performance against industry standards or best practices to identify areas for improvement.
Project Management

Business Case

A business case is a document that outlines the justification for a project, detailing its benefits, costs, and potential risks.
Project Management

Business Plan

A business plan is a written document outlining a company's goals, strategies, and the steps needed to achieve them.
Project Management

Capacity Utilization

Capacity utilization refers to the percentage of potential output that a project or business actually produces, helping assess efficiency and productivity.
Project Management

Change Management

Change management is the process of guiding individuals and teams through transitions in projects, ensuring smooth adaptation to new methods or systems.
Project Management

Change Order

A change order is a document that outlines modifications to a project's original scope, budget, or timeline, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
Project Management

Cloud-Based Project Management

Cloud-based project management is a method that uses online tools to organise, track, and collaborate on projects from anywhere, anytime.

Project Management

Collaborative Project Planning

Collaborative project planning is a teamwork approach where everyone contributes ideas and insights to create a shared project roadmap.
Project Management

Communication Plan

A communication plan is a strategic document that outlines how information will be shared during a project, ensuring everyone stays informed and engaged.
Project Management

Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis is the process of evaluating your competitors to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies in your market.
Project Management

Compliance Requirements

Compliance requirements are the rules and regulations that project managers must follow to ensure their projects meet legal and industry standards.
Project Management

Contingency Planning

Contingency planning is preparing for unexpected events that could impact your project, ensuring you're ready for any surprises along the way.
Project Management

Contract Management

Contract management is the process of overseeing and administering contracts to ensure compliance, minimise risks, and optimise performance.
Project Management

Creative Project Management

Creative project management is the process of organising and overseeing projects that require innovative thinking and artistic skills to achieve unique outcomes.
Project Management

Critical Chain Project Management

Critical chain project management is a method that focuses on managing project timelines by considering resource availability and task dependencies.
Project Management

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique that identifies the longest sequence of tasks, helping you finish projects on time.
Project Management

Cross-Functional Teams

Cross-functional teams are groups made up of members from different departments, working together to achieve a common goal, boosting collaboration and creativity.
Project Management

Data Security in Project Management

Data security in project management refers to the protection of sensitive project information from unauthorized access and breaches.
Project Management

Deliverables

Deliverables are specific outcomes or results that a project team must produce to meet project goals and satisfy client expectations.
Project Management

DevOps in Project Management

DevOps in project management is the collaboration of development and operations teams to improve efficiency, speed, and quality in project delivery.
Project Management

Digital Transformation in Project Management

Digital transformation in project management refers to integrating digital technologies to improve processes, enhance collaboration, and boost efficiency.
Project Management

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Earned Value Management (EVM) is a project management technique that combines scope, schedule, and cost to assess project performance.
Project Management

Efficiency Metrics

Efficiency metrics are measurements used to assess how effectively resources are utilised in a project, helping you track performance and improve outcomes.
Project Management

Escalation Procedure

An escalation procedure is a defined process for addressing issues that need higher-level attention in project management, ensuring timely resolutions.
Project Management

Expense Tracking

Expense tracking is the process of monitoring and recording all project-related costs to maintain financial control and ensure budgets are met.
Project Management

Feasibility Study

A feasibility study is an analysis to determine if a project is practical and achievable, helping you decide if it’s worth pursuing.
Project Management

Gantt Charts

Gantt charts are visual tools that outline project tasks, timelines, and progress, helping you stay organised and on track.
Project Management

Governance Framework

A governance framework is a structured approach that outlines how decisions are made and responsibilities are assigned in an organisation.
Project Management

Implementation Plan

An implementation plan is a detailed outline that guides the execution of a project, ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget.
Project Management

Incremental Development

Incremental development is a project management approach where work is completed in small, manageable parts, allowing for regular feedback and adjustments.
Project Management

Integration Management

Integration management is the process of coordinating all aspects of a project to ensure everything works together smoothly and effectively.
Project Management

Iterative Development

Iterative development is a process where projects evolve through repeated cycles, allowing for continuous improvement and feedback at each stage.

Project Management

Kanban Board

A Kanban board is a visual tool that helps manage tasks and workflows, making project progress easy to see and understand at a glance.
Project Management

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are measurable values that help you track project success and performance against goals.
Project Management

Leadership in Project Management

Leadership in project management refers to the ability to guide and motivate a project team towards achieving goals while managing resources and timelines effectively.
Project Management

Milestones

Milestones are key points in a project that mark significant progress or achievements, helping you track your project's journey and success.
Project Management

On-Time Project Delivery

On-time project delivery means completing a project by its deadline, ensuring all tasks are finished as planned and goals are met.
Project Management

Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency refers to how effectively an organisation uses resources to achieve its goals, minimising waste and maximising productivity.
Project Management

Operational Planning

Operational planning is the process of outlining how to achieve specific goals and objectives within a project, ensuring resources are used effectively.
Project Management

Performance Benchmarking

Performance benchmarking is the process of comparing your project's performance against industry standards to identify areas for improvement.
Project Management

Performance Indicators

Performance indicators are measurable values that show how effectively a project is achieving its objectives, helping you stay on track.
Project Management

PERT Chart (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)

A PERT chart is a visual tool that helps project managers plan and schedule tasks by showing the timeline and dependencies of activities.
Project Management

PMO (Project Management Office)

A PMO (Project Management Office) is a team that standardises project management practices, helping ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Project Management

Portfolio Management

Portfolio management is the process of overseeing a collection of projects or investments to ensure they align with business goals and deliver value.
Project Management

Post-Mortem Analysis

Post-mortem analysis is a review process after a project ends, helping teams learn from successes and mistakes for future improvements.
Project Management

PPM Tool

A PPM tool is a project portfolio management tool that helps you oversee multiple projects, manage resources, and keep budgets on track.
Project Management

Procurement Management

Procurement management is the process of acquiring goods and services needed for projects, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
Project Management

Program Management

Program management is the coordinated management of multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals and benefits.
Project Management

Project Audit

A project audit is a thorough review of a project's processes, performance, and finances to ensure everything is on track and meets set goals.
Project Management

Project Change Management

Change Management: The structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state with minimal resistance.
Project Management

Project Charter

A project charter is a document that outlines the objectives, scope, and stakeholders of a project, serving as its guiding roadmap.
Project Management

Project Closure

Project closure is the final phase of a project where all activities are completed, deliverables are handed over, and success is evaluated.
Project Management

Project Communications Management

Project communications management is the process of planning, executing, and monitoring all communication within a project to ensure everyone stays informed.
Project Management

Project Cost Saving

Project cost saving refers to strategies and practices that help reduce expenses in project management, ensuring budgets stretch further.
Project Management

Project Deliverables

Deliverables: Tangible or intangible items, services, or results that are produced or provided as part of a project or task.

Project Management

Project Expansion

Project expansion refers to the process of increasing the scope, resources, or scale of a project to achieve greater goals or outcomes.
Project Management

Project Expenses

Project expenses refer to the costs incurred during a project, including materials, labour, and overheads, that impact the overall budget.
Project Management

Project Health Metrics

Project health metrics are key indicators that help you assess the overall status and progress of your projects, ensuring everything stays on track.
Project Management

Project Lifecycle

Project lifecycle refers to the stages a project goes through from start to finish, helping manage tasks and resources effectively.
Project Management

Project Management Kick Off Meeting

A project management kick off meeting is the first gathering to align team members on project goals, timelines, and roles for successful collaboration.
Project Management

Project Management Phases

Project management phases are the stages in a project’s lifecycle, guiding teams from initiation to closure for successful delivery.
Project Management

Project Management Roles

Project management roles refer to the different positions and responsibilities within a project team, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.
Project Management

Project Management Scheduling Tool

A project management scheduling tool helps you plan, organise, and track project timelines, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.
Project Management

Project Management Software

Project management software helps teams plan, track, and manage projects efficiently, ensuring everyone stays on the same page and deadlines are met.
Project Management

Project Management Solutions

Project management solutions are tools designed to help professionals plan, execute, and oversee projects efficiently and effectively.
Project Management

Project Management Techniques

Project management techniques are methods and strategies used to plan, execute, and oversee projects effectively, ensuring success and efficiency.
Project Management

Project Manager

A project manager is a professional who plans, executes, and oversees projects, ensuring they stay on track, within budget, and meet goals.
Project Management

Project Milestones

Milestones: Significant points or achievements in a project that mark progress or completion of key tasks.
Project Management

Project Phase

A project phase is a distinct stage in a project's lifecycle, marking specific milestones and tasks to achieve before moving forward.
Project Management

Project Plan Baseline

A project plan baseline is the approved version of a project plan, used to measure progress and performance against original goals.
Project Management

Project Planning Process

The project planning process is the step-by-step approach to defining project goals, tasks, timelines, and resources needed for success.
Project Management

Project Portfolio

A project portfolio is a collection of projects managed together to achieve strategic goals, helping you keep track of resources and priorities.
Project Management

Project Portfolio Dashboard

A project portfolio dashboard is a visual tool that displays all your projects in one place, helping you track progress, budgets, and resources easily.
Project Management

Project Portfolio System

A project portfolio system helps you manage and oversee multiple projects in one place, ensuring better organisation and resource allocation.
Project Management

Project Progress Charts

Project progress charts are visual tools that show how a project is advancing, helping you track milestones and deadlines easily.
Project Management

Project Progress Update

A project progress update is a regular report that shares the current status, achievements, and any challenges of a project.
Project Management

Project Proposal Objectives

Project proposal objectives are specific goals that outline what a project aims to achieve, guiding the project from start to finish.
Project Management

Project Proposal Summary

A project proposal summary is a brief overview that outlines the key points of a project proposal, helping stakeholders understand its purpose and goals.

Project Management

Project Proposal Writing

Project resources are the people, materials, and tools needed to complete a project successfully, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Project Management

Project Resource Management Tools

Project resource management tools help you allocate and track resources across projects, making it easier to keep everything on budget and on time.
Project Management

Project Resource Requirements

Project resource requirements are the specific people, tools, and materials needed to successfully complete a project on time and within budget.
Project Management

Project Risk Management

Risk Management: The process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential risks in order to minimize, monitor, and control the impact of uncertain events on a project or organization.

Project Management

Project Scheduling Tools

Project scheduling tools help you plan, organise, and manage project timelines, ensuring tasks are completed on time and resources are used efficiently.
Project Management

Project Scope

Project scope defines the specific goals, deliverables, tasks, and deadlines of a project, ensuring everyone knows what's included and what's not.
Project Management

Project Sponsor

A project sponsor is a key stakeholder who provides support, resources, and direction for a project, ensuring it aligns with business goals.
Project Management

Project Stakeholder

A project stakeholder is anyone with an interest in a project's outcome, like team members, clients, or sponsors, influencing its success.
Project Management

Project Status Tracking

Project status tracking is the process of monitoring and updating the progress of a project to ensure it stays on schedule and within budget.
Project Management

Project Time Management

Project time management is the process of planning, scheduling, and controlling project timelines to ensure timely completion and success.
Project Management

Project Timeline Chart

A project timeline chart is a visual tool that outlines project tasks, deadlines, and milestones, helping you stay organised and on track.
Project Management

Project Timesheet

A project timesheet is a tool used to track the hours worked on a project, helping manage time and resources effectively.
Project Management

Project Tracking System

A project tracking system is a tool that helps you monitor project progress, manage resources, and keep budgets in check all in one place.
Project Management

Project Workplan

A project workplan is a detailed guide outlining tasks, timelines, and resources needed to complete a project successfully.
Project Management

Quality Management

Quality management is the process of overseeing and improving project standards to ensure deliverables meet expectations and requirements.
Project Management

Remote Project Management

Remote project management is the practice of overseeing projects from a distance, using digital tools to coordinate tasks, resources, and teams.
Project Management

Resource Allocation and Scheduling

Resource allocation and scheduling is the process of assigning available resources to specific tasks and planning their timeline for project completion.
Project Management

Resource Leveling

Resource leveling is a project management technique that balances resource allocation to prevent overuse and ensure smooth project progress.
Project Management

Resource Smoothing

Resource smoothing is a project management technique that balances resource allocation to avoid overloading and ensure steady progress.
Project Management

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating potential risks in a project, helping you make informed decisions to keep things on track.
Project Management

Risk Management

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling potential risks in a project to minimise negative impacts.
Project Management

Risk Mitigation

Risk mitigation is the process of identifying potential risks in a project and taking steps to reduce their impact or likelihood.
Project Management

Rollout Strategy

A rollout strategy is a plan for launching a new product or service, ensuring smooth implementation and effective communication throughout the process.
Project Management

Scaling Operations

Scaling operations refers to the process of expanding a business's capacity to handle increased demand while maintaining efficiency and quality.
Project Management

Schedule Slippage

Schedule slippage refers to the delay in completing project tasks beyond their planned deadlines, often leading to project overruns.
Project Management

Scheduling Resources and Costs in Project Management

Scheduling resources and costs in project management involves planning and allocating time and budget for tasks to ensure projects run smoothly.
Project Management

Scope Management

Scope management is the process of defining and controlling what is included in a project, ensuring it stays on track and meets goals.
Project Management

Scrum Methodology

Scrum methodology is an agile project management framework that helps teams work together effectively, delivering projects in short, manageable cycles.
Project Management

Software Deployment

Software deployment is the process of making a software application available for use, ensuring it runs smoothly on users' devices.
Project Management

Spiral Development

Spiral development is a project management approach that focuses on iterative progress through repeated cycles, allowing for continuous refinement and improvement.
Project Management

Stakeholder Analysis

Stakeholder analysis is the process of identifying and assessing the interests and influence of people involved in a project.
Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Stakeholder management is the process of identifying, engaging, and communicating with everyone involved in a project to ensure their needs are met.
Project Management

Status Reporting

Status reporting is the process of sharing updates on project progress, including tasks completed, challenges faced, and next steps.
Project Management

Strategic Alignment

Strategic alignment is the process of ensuring that your projects and goals match your organisation's overall strategy for success.
Project Management

Strategic Planning in Project Management

Strategic planning in project management is the process of setting goals and outlining steps to achieve them, ensuring projects align with overall business objectives.
Project Management

Strategic Project Management

Strategic project management is the process of aligning projects with an organisation's goals to ensure efficient resource use and successful outcomes.
Project Management

SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

SWOT Analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify and understand the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to a project, business, or organization.
Project Management

SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

SWOT analysis is a tool that helps you identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a project or business.
Project Management

Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a structured process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying software systems.
Project Management

Tactical Planning

Tactical planning is the process of outlining specific actions and resources needed to achieve short-term goals within a project or organisation.
Project Management

Task Delegation

Task delegation is the process of assigning responsibilities to team members, helping to lighten your workload and improve project efficiency.
Project Management

Team Building

Team building is the process of creating a strong, cohesive group that works well together, boosting collaboration and morale in projects.
Project Management

Team Dynamics

Team dynamics refer to the interactions and relationships within a team, influencing collaboration and overall project success.
Project Management

Technology Integration in Project Management

Technology integration in project management refers to combining various digital tools and software to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Project Management

Throughput

Throughput refers to the amount of work or tasks completed in a specific time frame, helping project managers gauge efficiency.
Project Management

Time Management

Time management is the process of planning and organising how to divide your time between different activities for a more productive day.
Project Management

Value Engineering

Value engineering is a method to improve project value by optimising functions and reducing costs without sacrificing quality.
Project Management

Virtual Teams

Virtual teams are groups of professionals who collaborate remotely, using digital tools to communicate and work together from different locations.
Project Management

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a visual tool that breaks projects into manageable tasks, helping you organise and track progress easily.
Project Management

Work Package

A work package is a group of related tasks within a project, helping to break down work into manageable chunks for better control and clarity.
Resource Management

Automation in Resource Management

Automation in resource management refers to using technology to streamline tasks like tracking resources and allocating them efficiently, saving time and reducing stress.
Resource Management

Capacity Planning

Capacity planning is the process of determining the resources needed to meet project demands, ensuring you have the right tools at the right time.
Resource Management

Demand Forecasting

Demand forecasting is the process of predicting future customer demand for products or services to help businesses plan effectively.
Resource Management

Optimize Resource Allocation

Optimize resource allocation means effectively distributing resources across projects to ensure efficient use and avoid waste.
Resource Management

Optimize Resource Utilization

Optimize resource utilization means making the best use of available resources in a project to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
Resource Management

Resource Analysis in Project Management

Resource analysis in project management is the process of assessing the availability and allocation of resources to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Resource Management

Resource Calendar in Project Management

A resource calendar in project management is a tool that shows the availability and allocation of resources for projects over time.
Resource Management

Resource Forecasting

Resource forecasting is the process of predicting future resource needs for projects, helping managers allocate time and budget effectively.
Resource Management

Resource Management Dashboard

A resource management dashboard is a visual tool that helps project managers track and allocate resources across multiple projects easily.
Resource Management

Resource Profile in Project Management

A resource profile in project management details the skills, availability, and allocation of team members for effective project planning.
Resource Management

Resource Scheduling Methods in Project Management

Resource scheduling methods in project management are techniques used to allocate and manage resources effectively across various tasks and projects.
Resource Management

Resources in Project Management

Resources in project management refer to the people, equipment, and materials needed to complete a project successfully.
Resource Management

Utilization Rate

Utilization rate measures how effectively resources are used in a project, helping you see if you're getting the most out of your team.
Financial Management

Baseline Budget

A baseline budget is the initial financial plan for a project, outlining expected costs and resources needed to achieve project goals.
Financial Management

Budget for Project Proposal

A budget for project proposal is a detailed financial plan outlining expected costs and resources needed to complete a project successfully.
Financial Management

Budget Forecasting

Budget forecasting is the process of estimating future financial outcomes based on historical data, helping you plan your project's finances with confidence.
Financial Management

Cost Allocation

Cost allocation is the process of distributing expenses to different projects or departments to accurately track and manage budgets.
Financial Management

Cost Overrun

Cost overrun refers to the situation where project expenses exceed the original budget, leading to financial strain and stress for project managers.
Financial Management

Cost Reporting Software

Cost reporting software helps project managers track and analyse expenses, ensuring budgets are on point and financial decisions are clear.
Financial Management

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost-benefit analysis is a process that compares the costs and benefits of a project to determine its overall value and viability.
Financial Management

Financial Management Reporting Software

Financial management reporting software helps businesses track and analyse their financial performance, making budget management a breeze.
Financial Management

Financial Project Management

Financial project management is the process of planning, monitoring, and controlling a project's finances to ensure it stays on budget and meets financial goals.
Financial Management

Financial Project Management Software

Financial project management software is a tool that helps you track budgets, expenses, and resources for your projects, making financial oversight easier.
Financial Management

Financial Project Planning

Financial project planning is the process of outlining budgets, resources, and timelines to ensure successful project completion.
Financial Management

Financial Reconciliation

Financial reconciliation is the process of ensuring that two sets of financial records match up, helping to identify errors or discrepancies.
Financial Management

Invoice Management

Invoice management is the process of handling and tracking invoices from creation to payment, ensuring accuracy and timely financial control.
Financial Management

Managing Project Financials

Managing project financials means overseeing budgets, costs, and resources to ensure projects stay on track and within budget, all while reducing stress.
Financial Management

Payment Scheduling

Payment scheduling is the process of planning and organising when payments are due, helping manage cash flow and avoid late fees.
Financial Management

Project Cost Allocation

Cost allocation is the process of distributing and assigning expenses to specific projects, departments, or activities within an organization.
Financial Management

Project Cost Overrun

Cost Overrun: When the actual costs of a project exceed the budgeted or estimated costs.
Financial Management

Project Expense Tracker

A project expense tracker is a tool that helps you monitor and manage all costs related to your projects, keeping your finances in check.
Financial Management

Project Expense Tracking

Expense tracking is the process of monitoring and recording all expenditures related to a project or business to maintain accurate financial records and control costs.
Financial Management

Project Financial Management

Project financial management is the process of planning, monitoring, and controlling budgets and resources for projects to ensure financial success.
Financial Management

ROI (Return on Investment)

ROI (Return on Investment) measures the gain or loss generated from an investment relative to its cost, helping you assess project profitability.

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