1.3 Categories and Types of Projects

Projects come in different sizes and degrees of complexity. They also have other characteristics, such as being multidisciplinary, involving conflict, being part of a larger initiative or program, and existing in an environment of uncertainty. Finally, projects can be differentiated by category and type.

Project categories may include any of the following:

1. Derivative Projects: Projects that are only incrementally different than the existing product or service being offered.

2. Platform Projects: Projects that are major departures from the existing offering.

3. Breakthrough Projects: Projects that involve new technology or business models and are often disruptive in the industry.

4. R&D Projects: Projects that are blue sky or futuristic visionary endeavors that may not be for production or ready for market in the short term.

5. Manufacturing Projects: Projects that improve efficiency, reduce cost and production time, and improve quality.

6. Construction Projects: Projects that create physical structures. For example, building a new corporate office or expanding an existing facility.

7. Civil Engineering Projects: Projects that include constructing or renovating a structure or altering part of the landscape for a purpose. For example, redeveloping highways and roads.

8. Management Projects: Projects that are often intangible ideas within a corporate setting. For example, restructuring, merger integration, and inclusion policies.

Project types may include any one or combinations of the following:

1. Business: Projects that occur within a corporate setting. Business projects may focus on organizational change, business processes, reorganization, mergers, and acquisitions. They require little to no IT or engineering resources.

2. Service: Projects that provide a service to the organization or the community. Service projects are often associated with charitable endeavors, such as fundraisers, coat drives, and awareness campaigns.

3. IT: Projects that require expertise and resources in information technology and computer server, programming, and networking. Most modern business projects are also IT projects because successful achievement of the strategic business objective is dependent on successful execution of the technology components of the project.

4. Engineering: Projects that require engineering expertise and resources. These projects include software, construction, and civil, aerospace, nuclear, environmental, mechanical, and electrical engineering.