Final answer:
A project is characterized by a defined start and end point and a unique goal, distinguishing it from ongoing operations, and emphasizes the importance of project management and collaborative teams.
Step-by-step explanation:
Projects in project management have distinguishing characteristics that separate them from routine business operations. Discussing two characteristics that made a past project an actual project and not part of operations: first, a project has a defined start and end point, which differs from continuous operations. For instance, the project to design a new video game controller had a clear deadline to meet the holiday season, emphasizing the project's temporary nature. Second, a project typically aims to achieve a unique product, service, or result. The video game controller project had the specific goal to create a new, innovative product that could potentially dominate the market, especially if released before competitors. These two characteristics signify the project's uniqueness and temporary endeavor, distinguishing it from ongoing operations, which are repetitive and maintain the business's status quo.
It's evident that task deadlines are critical to the success of most projects. Missing deadlines can have severe repercussions, like project cancellations or significant revenue loss. This temporal characteristic underlines the need for project management skills to ensure timely completion. Projects often involve collaborative teams with varied skills and responsibilities, working in tandem to achieve the project's objectives, which further differentiates a project from standard operations.