Organizations generally perform two types of work: projects and
             operations. The Project Management Institute (PMI) notes that projects are
             temporary and unique while operations are ongoing and repetitive (PMI,
             2000). PMI defines a project as being a temporary endeavor undertaken to
             create a unique product or service. To meet the criteria of being a
             temporary endeavor, projects must have a definite start and finish point.
             To meet the criteria of being a unique product or service, projects must be
             distinguishable from all other work. PMI further notes that project
             management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to
             project activities to meet project requirements (PMI, 2000), and that
             project management entails initiating, planning, executing, controlling and
             closing projects. Therefore project management is a defined process that
             guides the planning and execution of temporary endeavors to create unique
             Project management is needed by an organization if the organization
             desires well-planned and well-executed projects. Project management
             provides structure to the process of initiating action that will lead to a
             project, planning for the project, executing the project, controlling all
             aspects of the project, and then bringing closure to the project.
             Collectively these five steps form the life-cycle phases of project
             management, and all steps require adequate attention to ensure that a
             project is adequately managed. Project management ensures that
             organizations are able to achieve strategic initiatives that extend beyond
             normal operations through a recognized process, thus aiding organizations
             in fulfilling strategic objectives such as new product development, process
             re-engineering, organizational change or financial growth.
             Several project management processes exist. PMI has developed a
             thorough project management framework that covers nin...