ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how project—based work differs from ‘regular’ work. An improvised work approach to new activities is one option. People usually improvise when something unforeseen occurs that requires an immediate response. Their reaction will be an ad hoc one: not according to a laid down plan, but decided on as events unfold. Project-based activities fall roughly midway between improvised and routine activities. They are non-recurring and have a limited duration, but are reasonably predictable. Projects often have an organisation of their own, one created especially to deal with the needs of the project. People who do not normally work together may do so as part of the project group. Each will have their own specific tasks. A project can be defined as a group of people, usually from various fields of expertise, collaborating temporarily with the aim of reaching a predetermined project result within a predetermined budget and timeframe.
