Final answer:
True, project management is defined by its cross-departmental collaborations and involvement of various professionals to ensure project success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that one of the defining characteristics of project management is that the projects are not confined to a single department but involve several departments and professionals is true. Project management typically requires collaboration across various departments, each bringing different expertise and skill sets to the table. For example, engineers often multitask on several projects and must coordinate with other teams to meet task deadlines, which are essential for the success of a project.
The success of an engineering project, like the design and launch of a new video game controller, is highly dependent on the timely and effective collaboration of diverse professionals. Missing a deadline could result in significant financial losses or even the cancellation of the project. Furthermore, historical engineering undertakings demonstrate that such projects require not just engineering skills but also the capability to secure resources and understand the labor force involved, often necessitating collaboration with governments and various stakeholders.