beyond the immediate project team, and how organizational structure affects the way the project is staffed, managed, and executed. The following major sections are discussed: 2.1 The Project Life Cycle—Overview 2.2 Projects vs. Operational Work 2.3 Stakeholders 2.4 Organizational Influences on Project Management 2.1 The Project Life Cycle—Overview A project life cycle is a collection of generally sequential and sometimes overlapping project phases whose name and number are determined by the management and control needs of the organization or organizations involved in the project, the nature of the project itself, and its area of application. A life cycle can be documented with a methodology. The project life cycle can be determined or shaped by the unique aspects of the organization, industry or technology employed. While every project has a definite start and a definite end, the specific deliverables and activities that take place in between will vary widely with the project. The life cycle provides the basic framework for managing the project, regardless of the specific work involved. Projects vs. Operational Work Organizations perform work to achieve a set of objectives. In many organizations the work performed can be categorized as either