Final answer:
Tasks are basic units of work managed by project managers, and this statement is true. Successful task management is crucial for meeting deadlines and ensuring the overall success of a project. Missing deadlines can lead to significant losses for a company.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tasks are indeed the basic units of work that a project manager plans, schedules, and monitors. This is true. Tasks are essentially the building blocks of a project, each with specific goals, deadlines, and resources assigned to it. Proper management of these tasks is critical, as they contribute to the overall timeline and success of the project.
For example, consider an engineering team working on designing a new video game controller. If task deadlines, such as the completion of the design, testing, and manufacturing phases, aren’t met, the company might miss the holiday season—a peak sales period. Similarly, failing to beat competitors to market can lead to a loss of potential customers. Therefore, task deadlines are not just dates on a calendar; they are essential checkpoints that can determine a project's success or failure.
Moreover, knowing that you are responsible for specific processes or outcomes is an integral part of any job. Managers will set expectations, and while they may allow for autonomy in how tasks are achieved, accountability is key. Failure to meet the established expectations can have significant repercussions, ranging from personal performance evaluations to the project's vitality.