Clarifying Commonly Misunderstood Terms - Coursework Example

DEFINITION OF TERMS Name Course Lecturer Date Introduction In everyday life, people come across different terms that seem to have ambiguous meanings. In some fields such as computer science and project management, writers tend to use different words to send a message, and the choice of words may affect the intended meaning. Some words have the same meaning while the meaning of some words depends on the context. Commonly misused words include process, technique, tool, model, method, methodology, approach and framework. This paper attempts to provide a clear distinction of these terms by providing definitions in general usage and in the context of project management. Definition of Terms The word “process” is in both verb and noun form. For the purposes of this paper, I will provide definitions for the noun form. A process is a series of actions, changes and functions that lead to a result (The Free Dictionary, 2013). A process defines what needs to be done and the roles involved (Bandor, 2007). It consists of roles and responsibilities of the people assigned to do work, and appropriate tools and equipment to help people in accomplishing their jobs (Bandor, 2007). The later definition of the term applies to project management because project management entails responsibilities for team members and instruments needed to accomplish a task. For these definitions, it is evident that a process entails a sequence of things or actions that lead to the achievement of a certain predetermined goal. The word “technique” also falls under the category of confusing words used in different fields. The Business Dictionary (2013) describes a technique as a systematic formula, procedure or routine used to accomplish a task. In project management, technique refers to a way of gathering information, communicating and getting things done in the most effective and efficient way (Project Management.com, 2013). This definition has the implication that a technique is a way of doing things in a skillful manner. Both definitions imply that a technique requires an individual to have some skills and use systematic procedures in order to accomplish a certain task. In addition, definitions suggest that technique is mostly applicable to activities that need expertise. The term “tool” is common in different contexts. It has a myriad of uses leading to ambiguity when people fail to use it appropriately. Dictionary.com (2013) describes a tool as an implement, especially one that is hand-held, as hammer, file or saw, used to perform and facilitate mechanical operation. According to this definition, a machine or any instrument used to perform a manual operation can be referred as a tool. A tool also refers to anything utilized as a means of accomplishing a certain purpose or task (Dictionary.com, 2013). In a project management perspective, tool refers to a piece of equipment or skill used to accomplish a job while technique is a special way of doing something (Andongndou , Pressler & Marsh, n.d).These descriptions indicate that a tool can be anything tangible or intangible used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose. The word “model” is also another term that raises concerns when used in writing. It has different meanings that depend on the context of the word. Model can mean a small copy of something, something good (such as a system) that people can copy something or someone who is a good example, someone whose duty is to show clothes by wearing them, a particular type of vehicle or machine made by a company and a simple practical description of how something operates (Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2013). For the purposes of this paper, I will use the latter definition, which describes a model as a simplified description of how something works. A model is a set of statements about a system that is under study (Gašević, Djurić, Devedzic & Gašević, 2009). Therefore, in a project management, the term “model” refers to simple statements describing how something works to accomplish a purpose. Method is also a commonly misused term because it has synonyms such as technique and process, which sometimes bring a different meaning. The Collins dictionary describes method as a way of doing something, especially a regular one (Collins, 2013). It also refers to techniques of work for a certain field or subject (Collins, 2013). In project management, a method refers to a set of processes used to run a project in a controlled and, therefore, a predictable version (Hughes, 2004). Method entails the design and development procedures used to satisfy the objectives of a project (Hughes, 2004). From these definitions, it would be appropriate to conclude that a method constitutes both techniques and processes. People also tend to confuse the word “method” with “methodology”, leading to ambiguity in the interpretation of meaning. Oxford dictionaries define methodology as a system of methods employed in a particular activity or area of study (Oxford University Press, 2013). From this definition, methodology consists of a series of methods combined together to accomplish a certain objective. In project management, methodology refers to processes mandated or recommended by an organization for the management of its projects (Nicholas, Steyn & Nicholas, 2012). The aim of a methodology is to ensure the application of recognized best practices across all projects. It specifies the stages of a lifecycle of an organization’s projects, and the roles and management tasks of project managers and other stakeholders (Nicholas, Steyn & Nicholas, 2012). The term “approach” also presents numerous challenges as used in different fields to portray different meanings. The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (2013) refers to approach as a way of dealing with something or somebody, or a way of doing or thinking about a problem or task (Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 2013). This definition is almost similar to that of method, meaning that the words “method” and “approach” can be used interchangeably. In project management, an approach outlines how to achieve the products of a project (CCLearning, n.d). This definition is also similar to that of a method because method refers to the way of achieving the outputs of a project. The word “framework” also brings a lot of confusion when used for the purposes of project management. The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (2013) defines a framework as a set of rules, beliefs used to develop something or to make decisions. A framework refers to a logical structure that aims at providing a simplified and comprehensive representation of a complex process that is independent of the methods and tools used in any given situation (ERDM LLC, 2013). This definition implies that a framework is a structure for supporting something that somebody needs to implement. Since a framework entails ideas, it can refer to a set of assumptions, values, practices and concepts that form a way of viewing something in a certain dimension, adding to existing practices, values, assumptions and beliefs. It is a structure developed to make decisions based on the ideas of an individual or individuals. The relationship between process, technique, model, method and tool Diagram The following diagram represents the relationship among these terms as used in the management of projects. Circles that cut across each other indicate that there is a relationship between terms. The model circle cuts across all circles indicating that the term “model” relates to all other terms. Conclusion From the above definitions of commonly misunderstood words, some words have some relationship with one another. According to the above definitions, a process forms the basis of a project. A process entails actions, responsibilities and the application of tools and techniques. Techniques depend on the process used. Technique applies to processes that require certain skills in order to attain goals. A tool is any implement (equipment or skill) that can be utilized to achieve certain objectives. Tools are important because they help in the application of technique and the achievement of the objectives of project processes. The model defines how systems work helping in the utilization of the right processes, tools, methods and techniques. A method is way of doing something, which consists comprises of both tools and techniques. List of References Andongndou , Pressler & Marsh, n.d. FCS Project Management L3. South Africa: Person. Bandor, M. 2007. Process and Procedure Definition: A Primer. Technique Report in CMU SEI. Business Dictionary, 2013. Technique [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. CCLearning, n.d.SU5 Defining Project Approach [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Collins, 2013. Method [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Dictionary.com, 2013. Tool. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. EDRM LLC, 2013. Project Management Guide. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Gašević, D., Djurić, D., Devedzic, V., & Gašević, D., 2009. Model driven engineering and ontology development. Dordrecht: Springer. Hughes, B. (2004). Project management for IT-related projects: textbook for the ISEB foundation certificate in IS project management. Swindon, British Computer Society. Longman Dictionary of Conteporary English, 2013. Framework. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2013. Model-Definition [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Nicholas, J. M., Steyn, H., & Nicholas, J. M., 2012. Project management for engineering, business and technology. Abingdon, Oxon, Routledge. Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, 2013. Approach [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Oxford University Press, 2013. Definition of Methodology in English [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Project Mangement.com, 2013. Techniques Wiki. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. The Free Dictionary, 2013. Process. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 8 October 2013]. Read More