Organizations undertake various activities to achieve their strategic business goals every day. Part of these activities is implemented through processes (known, repeatable, often well-described). However, a significant proportion of activities is undertaken in project mode.
A project definition and its key characteristics are widely described in the related literature, both scientific and popular science. This is also a part of basic knowledge for project managers, which helps to understand the nature of projects and this way respond more effectively with the project management expertise.
The state-of -the art of the related literature mentions four basic features of each project i.e. complexity, uniqueness, a specific time frame, and a limited budget. In some sources we can also find other two, namely a certain level of risk and necessity to address the required level of quality of performed project work.
In management science, a project is often defined as a complex undertake, of a one-time nature and with a goal defined upfront, undertaken to achieve predetermined goals. Each project has its unique character, whereas its complexity determines a number of actions, which must be performed in a specific order. In addition, there is a need to take into account dependencies between these activities to achieve goals.
Depending on the complexity of a project, the project management process may be more or less demanding. Complexity as such may be determined either by project type, scope of work, budget but also by number and type of parties involved. The assessment of a project complexity done by project manager allows to get better prepared for challenges.