Standard

August 24, 2025
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What is Standard?

A standard is a documented agreement that outlines consistent methods, processes, or criteria used to achieve specific results across projects. In project management, it serves as a benchmark or reference point to guide how work should be performed and measured. Standards can apply to processes, performance, terminology, or documentation, and they help ensure uniformity, quality, and accountability. Industry organizations, regulatory bodies, or individual companies may develop these guidelines to promote best practices and reduce risks. Project teams use them to align expectations and maintain consistency throughout the project life cycle.

Key Points

  • A standard provides a common framework that promotes consistency in project planning, execution, and delivery.
  • It can be industry-wide (such as ISO standards) or organization-specific, depending on the project context.
  • It is often mandatory when set by regulatory agencies or contractual agreements.
  • It helps teams measure performance by providing clear criteria for success.
  • Using standards increases efficiency by reducing the need to define processes from scratch for each project.

Related Terms

  • The project charter often refers to applicable standards to ensure alignment with established guidelines.
  • A baseline uses standards as a reference to measure changes or deviations in project scope, cost, or schedule.
  • A governance framework includes standards to enforce compliance and guide decision-making processes.
  • The work breakdown structure may incorporate standardized formats to ensure consistent task documentation.
  • Quality assurance relies on standards to assess whether project deliverables meet defined requirements.

Standard: Example

A construction company adopts the ISO 9001 quality management standard across all its projects. When launching a new residential development, the project manager follows these guidelines to outline processes, manage documentation, and conduct quality checks. The team uses the standard to ensure that all building materials, timelines, and safety protocols align with best practices. Regular audits and inspections confirm adherence, helping the company maintain a reputation for delivering reliable and compliant work.

Standard: Best Practices

  • Select relevant standards early in the project planning phase to guide scope and process development.
  • Provide team training to ensure understanding and proper application of the chosen standards.
  • Regularly review them to confirm they are up-to-date and applicable to the project’s needs.
  • Document how project teams implement them to support transparency and future audits.
  • Use lessons learned from past projects to refine how they are applied and integrated.

Additional Resources

Standard - A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)     Standard - Agile Practice Guide

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