What is meant by Project workflow?
A project workflow is a specific sequence of tasks, activities and processes performed within a project to achieve its goals. Essentially, it is an organized and structured process that ensures that all necessary steps in a project are performed in the correct order and with the appropriate resources.
Characteristics of a project workflow:
- A project workflow is always focused on a specific project. The workflow is set up to map the specific goals, requirements, and milestones of that project.
- A project workflow has a clear starting point and an end point, just like any individual project. It applies only for the duration of the project and is designed to achieve the project goals within that timeframe.
- The main purpose of a project workflow is to achieve the goals of the project. All activities and tasks within the workflow are designed to support those goals.
- Project workflows often contain milestones that represent important points in the project's progress. These are used to track progress and ensure that the project stays on track.
Differences from normal workflow:
- Goal and Duration: A normal workflow may address recurring or routine tasks in daily business operations and often has no clear project goals or time limits. A project workflow, on the other hand, is focused on achieving specific project goals within a specified time period.
- Flexibility: A normal workflow can often be more flexible and easily adapt to changes or new requirements. A project workflow is usually more rigid and requires careful planning to ensure that the project goal is achieved.
- Accountability: a normal workflow may reside within and be managed by a specific department or group. A project workflow often requires multiple departments or teams to work together, which can make accountability more complex.
- Measurability: In a project workflow, deliverables are often measurable against project goals and milestones. In a normal workflow, outcomes may be less clearly measurable.
Overall, a project workflow serves to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of projects by ensuring that all relevant tasks and activities are performed in a coordinated and focused manner.