A project is a plan that consists of a set of objectives that are interrelated and coordinated.[1]​ According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), "a project is a temporary effort that is carried out to create a unique product, service or result."[2]​ From these concepts, it is evident that the reason for a project is to achieve specific results or goals within the limits imposed by a budget, previously established qualities, and a previously defined period of time.[1]​.

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to satisfy project requirements.[3]​ It consists of bringing together several ideas to carry them out, and is an undertaking that takes place during a limited time, and that aims to achieve a unique result. It arises in response to a need, in accordance with the vision of the organization, although this can deviate depending on interest. The project ends when the desired result is obtained, and it can be said that it collapses when the initial need disappears or the available resources are exhausted.

The more traditional definition “is a planned, temporary, one-time effort undertaken to create unique products or services that add value or cause retroactive change. This is in definition with the more traditional way of working, based on processes, in which we operate permanently, creating the same products or services over and over again.

There is also a fundamental perspective regarding individual projection, both on a professional and personal level. Setting guidelines for the future, ordering priorities,[4]​ finding a balance between work and family, and adapting to obstacles that arise are determining aspects to respond to the so-called life project, learning from experiences.[5]​ Notable parallels can be seen, for example when comparing teamwork within the company, with an objective in which family members participate, as well as testing something, and trying to correct it if the results are unfavorable or accepting that it is necessary to resort to another path. Life is a project.

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the characteristics of a project are:[6]​.

Gradual elaboration is not a good characteristic of projects that accompanies the concepts of temporary and unique. “Gradual development” means developing in steps and moving forward in increments. For example, the scope of a project is defined broadly at the beginning of the project, and becomes more explicit and detailed as the project team develops a better and more complete understanding of the objectives and deliverables. Gradual elaboration should not be confused with scope corruption.