Each project is started to solve some problem, or to exploit an opportunity. As such, a project success is defined by how well the end-results addressed the problem or opportunity. The benefits of many projects, however, may only be derived long after the project has been commissioned.

A well-managed project, delivering the result on time, to budget and within the agreed scope, can still be deemed a failure. The challenge, then, is to make sure that the management of the project is aligned to the goals of the project at all times. And it starts with the realization that projects are initiated by people, for the benefit of people.