Project management glossary: Over 20 key terms and definitions
Do you dedicate yourself to managing different types of projects? Take advantage of this post that we have prepared. A project management glossary with more than 20 definitions to take into account and transmit them to your work team.
1. Agile
Agile is a concept used by many methodologies, which focuses on achieving rapid deliveries (of products or services) of the highest possible quality. It is designed to adapt to changes in the environment, since it proposes to advance with short sections to achieve results that can be validated and on which it can continue to improve. Agile is a philosophy and not a methodology in itself. Many methodologies, for example Scrum, are based on the Agile philosophy.
2. Scope
The scope is an outline of the limits of all aspects of a project. It includes the budget, the schedule, the deliverables, the tasks and the expectations, among others.
3. Backlog of tasks
A product backlog is a prioritized list of work for the development team derived from the product roadmap and its requirements.
4. Blockers
Blockers slow down the progress of the job or block it. They must be anticipated and eliminated in advance. These obstacles can include everything from technological complications to budget limitations.
5. Waterfall
It is a structured methodology for the life cycle of projects. Unlike agile methodologies, it is applied sequentially over clearly established project stages and is often used on large-scale projects.
6. Use cases
Use cases are all the examples that show how a final consumer can use a product or service. They can be useful to know the scope and requirements of the project.
7. Project life cycle
The life cycle of a project includes the stages through which it passes, from the beginning to the end of said project, through its planning and execution.
8. Bottleneck
A bottleneck slows down and limits the flow, pace, and capacity of a project. This can be, for example, stakeholders with many deliverables pending approval or processes that can create overload.
9. Gantt diagram
The Gantt chart is a graph that allows you to visualize the tasks assigned to a person responsible for their execution, a time frame and a dependency between tasks or groups. It’s a good way to visualize how long each task will take throughout the project and to track progress.
10. Change management
Change management is knowing how to manage and control changes in an organization, a team or a project. This method seeks to maintain control and efficiency when unforeseen changes occur.
11. Risk management
It refers to the process of searching for, identifying and evaluating risks that may affect the project, as well as managing and responding to them. Risks can range from service delivery interruptions to resource reallocation.
12. Project manager
The project manager is the person in charge of all aspects included in the planning, initiation, execution and completion of a particular project, as well as its results. Do not confuse this term with the tool to carry out the management of a project. Depending on the life cycle of the project, this person may receive different names with functions adapted to said methodology.
13. PERT Chart
The PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart is a project management tool for organizing tasks and schedules.
14. Milestone
Milestones are key points during a project’s schedule, which can be used to assess progress. A milestone is always associated with a time frame to be achieved.
15. Contingency plan
A contingency plan is a backup plan for emergencies. It indicates how to deal with short- and long-term problems or interruptions that may arise during the project.
16. Project Plan
The project plan is an approved document that was prepared prior to the execution of the project. It defines the scope, schedule, and costs, and guides you through the entire process.
17. Resources
We call resources everything that is necessary to carry out a project or task. This can include everything from human talent to funds, time, services and tools.
18. Scrum
Scrum is the best known agile project management methodology. It consists of fast and short sprints. Small teams often focus on the ongoing development of project deliverables, while one leader takes care of removing roadblocks.
19. Project management software
This software is used to work on all aspects of project management, from planning and allocating resources to communication between stakeholders and team members.
20. Sprint
In agile project management with Scrum, teams work within a continuous development cycle, made up of short iterations (sprints). Sprints are such development cycles.
21. Work in Process (WIP)
Work in progress (WIP) is the list of tasks that are being worked on and the results that which will be delivered soon.
Knowing these project management glossary terms will help you get off to a good start with any new project. Implement this knowledge using MyTaskPanel, our software to manage agile projects.