ABSTRACT
Before examining the concepts and practices of project management, which are the main themes of this book, it is useful to discuss two aspects of project development which can be of value in giving project managers a clearer understanding of the nature of projects and the activities with which they are involved. These aspects are the project framework and the project environment. The project framework helps to clarify and conceptualize the project and is a useful tool upon which project managers can build up their understanding of it. The project environment is the surroundings and situation within which the project is implemented. Chapter 1 discussed reasons for project success and failure and distinguished between internal and external causes. The concept of the project environment provides managers with a structured approach to analysing and handling possible external constraints.
