A project is a plan, a thought, an idea or a purpose to carry out a certain action. At a generic level it can be defined as a plan that is developed to do something.
The term project can be used in numerous areas, and can even become something more specific, such as documents with indications, sketches, diagrams…
It is a word with several meanings that comes from the Latin proiectus, and that derives from the verb proicere, a word composed of pro- which means “forward” and iacere, whose meaning is “to launch”.
In the field of architecture and engineering, a project is considered to be a set of plans, calculations and information, which gives an idea of what a work will cost and how it will be carried out in all its aspects. In geometry, for example, a project is a representation in perspective.
The word project has numerous synonyms that can help you when applying it in different situations and fields, such as: plan, purpose, intention, plan, design, calculation, scheme and sketch.
How to make a project?
Although the word project refers to different aspects and its concept may vary depending on the type in question, in general a series of basic steps can be taken for any project:
- It must be given a name.
- Nature of the project: A description must be made, substantiated and justified. Also establish the context, its purpose, the objects and goals to be achieved, who will be the beneficiaries, what products will be used, the physical location, coverage, etc.
- Activities and tasks: All the tasks and activities necessary for its development must be specified. The methods and techniques to be used must also be included.
- Timeframes and necessary resources must be determined. Resources include material, human, technical and financial.
- Establish a budget for its realization.
- Reflect the way in which it will be managed and administered.
- Establish the methods for its evaluation.
- Description of the requirements and other factors that may condition it.
Project types
Depending on the objective to be achieved, the projects can be of different types. They can usually be classified according to:
- Objective: Provision of a service, conduct of research or production of goods.
- Executor: If it is private, public or mixed.
- Size: micro, small, medium, large or megaproject.
What is a life project?
A life project is a plan that is directly related to the way in which each individual has to give meaning to their own existence, as well as their intentions and purposes at a vital level, to live better.
A person’s life project is influenced by their different personal interests, values, beliefs and abilities, as well as the environment that surrounds them and the different circumstances.
In this sense, this type of project can be especially focused on a specific objective, such as completing studies or training, getting to live in a desired place, or starting a family, for example. Likewise, it can also have a more abstract concept such as helping other people or simply being happy.
What is a community project?
The so-called community project is a strategy plan that is designed with the objective of achieving the improvement of the conditions of a social group or a community. They can be oriented to social, training, infrastructure or physical issues. In addition, it can also refer to projects that are carried out between different groups of people.
Phases of a project
Whatever the project, any of them requires four fundamental phases to start it up:
Initial evaluation
Before starting to carry out a project, it is important to carry out a prior analysis of the needs and the objectives that are intended to be achieved with it, in addition to reflecting on the origin, the causes and the way of acting.
Planning
When the needs have been determined and the origin analyzed, it is time to begin the planning and design of the project.
For this, the objectives to be achieved with it must be defined, the different phases that will have to be gone through, the methods that will be used, the monitoring of the same, the organization of the work teams, if any, the cost and financing, as well as the strategies that will have to be followed. In the planning, all the details must be taken care of, thus marking the route to follow.
Start up
When the planning process is finished, it will be time to begin the execution of the project. For this, it will be necessary to adjust to the designed plan, progressively and carrying out all the activities and tasks indicated. At the same time that the project is launched, it is important to carry out continuous monitoring and evaluation. This will increase the chances of success by being able to improve it according to the needs.
Evaluation
Once the project has come to an end, it is time to evaluate the results obtained after carrying it out. With this evaluation you will be able to determine if the objectives initially set were achieved and to what degree. In the same way, you will also assess the difficulties that have been faced and the way in which they were overcome. You will end the evaluation with a conclusion.
These phases are basic in carrying out any type of project, be it business, academic, personal, being a basic structure that you must know to try to achieve your objectives.