^ [[2.2 About Project Management]] # 2.2.6  Projects vs Operations **Projects are temporary** and should therefore have a definite start and end. A project should be considered complete when it is determined that its goals and objectives have been accomplished. Once this happens, the project team should be disbanded. **Operations**, on the other hand, comprises the **ongoing day-to-day activities undertaken by a permanent organisation** to deliver services or products. However, people often find themselves involved in so-called projects that have been going on for years, working with moving targets or a continuously expanded scope, which sometimes includes activities that should be classified as maintenance or operations. These are situations where the projects have been allowed to either become uncontrollable, or to move into operations (maintenance) mode. In most projects, the **operations period begins after the project’s main products have been produced and accepted by the client**. How do you ==recognise that a **project has slipped into operations mode**==? - The main project deliverables have been produced and the client has **accepted** them. - The main project output (deliverable) is **in use**. - **Support is provided to users**. - **Maintenance activities** are undertaken. - Minor updates (**improvements**) are planned and implemented over time. ___ Spanish Guide: [[2.2.6 Proyectos frente a Operaciones]] <-- [[2.2.5 Project Portfolio Management]] --> [[2.3 Project Environment]] ___ ![[👉 Quick links]]