Introduction to Project Modeling and Planning

Abstract

Today many organizations have adopted projects centered business models, rendering project management skills and the associated techniques crucial to successful business practice. This chapter introduces the basic concepts, methods and processes of project management. Characteristics of projects are described with examples. One important characteristic is that each project has a life cycle and passes through certain phases. These phases are explained with details and managerial insights are given in this chapter. In addition, we investigate the uncertainty in projects from different perspectives, emphasize the importance of risk management and introduce the well-known project planning methods. Finally, traditional planning-based approaches are compared with the recent agile project management approaches.