What is the definition of project management?

The definition of project management encompasses the comprehensive processes involved in successfully guiding a project from inception to completion. This includes planning, which entails setting objectives and determining the necessary steps to achieve them; executing, which involves implementing the plan and managing resources; and closing, which refers to finalizing all activities, delivering the project outcomes, and ensuring that goals are met.

Choosing this definition reflects an understanding of project management as a structured approach that not only addresses the organization of resources and personnel but also emphasizes the critical phases of initiating, executing, and concluding projects. This holistic view is essential for ensuring the project meets its objectives, stays on schedule, and operates within its budget.

The other options describe partial aspects of project management but do not encompass the full scope of the discipline. For example, while organizing people and resources is indeed part of project management, it doesn't capture the necessary focus on the lifecycle phases like planning and closing. Similarly, managing personnel and budgets is a component of project management but does not highlight the planned execution and completion of projects. Conducting research for projects can be important but is not a defining characteristic of project management as a whole. Thus, the selected answer captures the essence of what project management truly entails.