Project Management glossary
This project-management glossary defines, in a single sentence, the key terms you will come across in our courses: agility, Scrum, specifications, planning… Each definition stands on its own and, where relevant, points to the related course.
Project management
Project management is about organising, planning and steering resources and tasks to reach an objective within a set time and budget.
Agile method
An agile method runs a project in short iterations, with frequent deliveries and continuous adaptation to the need. See Agile methods awareness.
Scrum
Scrum is the most widely used agile framework: it organises work into sprints, with defined roles (Product Owner, Scrum Master) and events. See Managing projects with agile methods.
Sprint
A sprint is a fixed-length iteration (often 1 to 4 weeks) at the end of which a potentially shippable version of the product is produced.
Product Owner
The Product Owner holds the product vision and prioritises the backlog to maximise the value delivered. See the PSPO I certification.
Scrum Master
The Scrum Master facilitates the team, upholds the Scrum framework and removes obstacles, without being a hierarchical project manager.
Product Backlog
The Product Backlog is the prioritised list of the product’s features and needs; the Product Owner orders it.
User story
A user story describes a need from the user’s point of view, in the form “as a…, I want…, so that…”.
Kanban
Kanban is a visual workflow-management method: tasks move across a board of columns, with a limit on work in progress.
V-model / waterfall
The V-model (or waterfall) is a sequential approach where phases follow one another (needs, design, build, testing), as opposed to agile iteration.
MVP (minimum viable product)
The MVP is the simplest version of a product that already delivers value and lets you test the need with users.
Specification
A specification formalises a project’s needs, constraints and expectations; it serves as a contractual reference. See the IT specifications course.
User need
A user need is the real expectation of the people who will use the solution; understanding it well avoids building the wrong product. See Understanding user needs.
Gantt chart
A Gantt chart shows a project’s tasks as bars on a calendar, displaying durations and dependencies. See Microsoft Project.
Milestone
A milestone is an important checkpoint of the project (a deliverable, a sign-off, a deadline) that marks a key stage.
Critical path
The critical path is the sequence of tasks whose any delay pushes back the project’s end date; it must be watched closely.
Stakeholder
A stakeholder is anyone affected by the project (client, user, team, management) whose expectations must be taken into account.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a planning and tracking tool: schedules, resources, costs and Gantt charts. See the Microsoft Project course.
The key project-management terms, explained simply
For every project, we begin with a preliminary discussion with our experts to properly take into account your level, needs, professional context and goals.