Project Management as Recognized Profession

Professional Project Practice
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Professional Project Practice
1.0 Introduction
Project management refers to the application of experience, methods, skills, knowledge and processes to attain the objectives of the project (Project Management Institute, 2016). A project on the other hand, refers to the transient, unique endeavor which is undertaken in order to realize planned objectives. Such objectives are determined in terms of benefits, benefits, outcomes or benefits. A successful project is the one in which its objectives are achieved in accordance with the predefined criteria and within the planned budged and timescale. It is deemed temporary in the sense that a defined resource and scope. Similarly, a project is unique in the sense that it consists of a unique set of activities specifically designed to attain a particular goal. Any project must be managed by a team of experts in order to deliver the necessary integration and learning as well as on-budget and on-time results (Project Management Institute, 2016). Project management involves five major processes, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. Moreover, the knowledge of project management is drawn from ten key areas: human resources, cost, stakeholder management, integration, communications, quality, scope, procurement, time, and risk management Project Management Institute, 2016). Each project requires a unique focus by the management based on the schedule, resources, and its goals. According to Gemunden (2015, p. 2), project management is prominent for its formalized approach in handling complex challenges in organizations more efficiently and effectively. It primarily relies on good organized processes and careful controlling and planning with well-defined roles. The human aspect of project management has gained widespread importance over the past 15 years (Gemunden, 2015, p. 2). Traditionally, project management has been regarded as an informal practice, but it is increasingly becoming a distinct profession.
This essay supports the argument that it is worthwhile for project managers if project management becomes a recognized profession. The paper begins by examining the concept of project management and the key phases associated with it. Next, the paper examines the benefits that will accrue from making project management a distinct profession. Additionally, the paper also examines the applications of project management in various organizational activities. Finally, the paper concludes by providing a recap of the major findings in this study.
2.0 The Concept of Project Management
There are various definitions of a project. According to Prabhakar (2008, p. 3), a project refers to an organization of individuals who are dedicated to a certain objective or purpose. Perkins, Peterson and Smith (2003, p. 4) defines it as the discipline that utilizes knowledge and skills in order to attain the goals of the project through a series of tasks. It entails controlling quality, project scope, risks, time, and cost through multiple project management processes (Perkins, Peterson & Smith, 2003, p. 4). It generally entails high risk, unique or expensive s endeavors ...