Process

August 24, 2025
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What is Process?

A process is a structured series of tasks or activities carried out to achieve a specific goal or outcome. In project management, it provides a clear path for completing work efficiently and consistently. Each process includes inputs, tools or techniques, and outputs, ensuring that work is organized and repeatable across different projects. Processes help teams coordinate efforts, reduce errors, and maintain quality. They are often part of larger systems such as project life cycles or management methodologies.

A well-defined process improves communication, accountability, and decision-making. It allows project teams to monitor progress, manage risks, and deliver results that meet stakeholder expectations. Processes can be standardized across an organization or customized for specific project types. Whether formal or informal, they are essential for project success and continuous improvement.

Key Points

  • It is a repeatable sequence of steps used to complete a task or achieve a goal.
  • It includes defined inputs, tools and techniques, and measurable outputs.
  • It supports consistency, quality control, and effective resource use.
  • Project teams use it in all phases of project management, from initiation to closing.
  • Continuous process improvement helps teams adapt to change and increase efficiency.

Related Terms

  • The project life cycle is a structured sequence of phases that aligns closely with how processes guide work from start to finish.
  • A workflow describes how tasks move from one step to the next, making it a detailed representation of a process.
  • Standard operating procedures outline specific steps for recurring tasks, ensuring the project team follows the process uniformly.
  • Process improvement focuses on evaluating and enhancing existing methods to make a process more effective and efficient.
  • A team’s project management methodology often determines which processes they follow and how they implement them.

Process: Example

A software development team follows a process for managing feature requests. First, he team logs and reviews a request. If approved, it moves to design, development, testing, and deployment. Each step has specific criteria and assigned roles, helping the team stay on schedule and meet quality standards.

Process: Best Practices

  • Define each step clearly and assign responsibilities to avoid confusion.
  • Document it so team members can follow it consistently.
  • Monitor performance and gather feedback to identify areas for improvement.
  • Adjust it as needed to reflect changes in project scope or team capacity.
  • Train all team members to ensure they understand and follow it correctly.

Additional Resources

Process - The Process Improvement Handbook     Process - A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)

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