International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

Which is NOT a characteristic of a project?

1. Established objective

2. Definite end

3. Interrelated tasks

4. Performed by internal staff only

The correct answer is: Performed by internal staff only

The correct answer highlights that a project is not limited to being performed exclusively by internal staff. Projects are often conducted by a mix of internal and external personnel, including contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders who may not belong to the organization. This characteristic reflects the collaborative nature of many projects, which may require diverse skills and expertise that can be sourced externally. Establishing objectives, having a definite end, and involving interrelated tasks are fundamental characteristics of projects. A project is typically defined by clear goals (established objective) that guide its direction. Moreover, every project has a definite end, which distinguishes it from ongoing operations or processes. Finally, interrelated tasks are crucial in execution, as they demonstrate the interconnectedness and dependencies within the project, where the completion of one task may influence others. Together, these characteristics help define what constitutes a project, while the involvement of both internal and external resources is common and necessary for successful project delivery.