Project Management Lexicon

The ePMO Project Management Lexicon offers clear and concise definitions for frequently used terms.

For anyone involved in portfolio, program, and project management, this resource can help to foster understanding and consistent usage of terminology. Use of standardized language promotes better communications among project teams and is an essential component of any profession.

Definitions were developed based on those used by Project Management Institute (PMI) and modified to align with the ePMO and project management at the University of Miami.

• Portfolio. A collection or set of related projects, programs, and other work initiatives.
• Program. A collection of related projects and activities that are managed and coordinated together.
• Project. A temporary and unique endeavor with a defined beginning and end, undertaken to achieve specific objectives within certain constraints.
• Initiative/Effort. A specific action or set of actions undertaken to achieve a particular goal, objective, or desired outcome. An initiative may be more collaborative and formally defined than an effort.

• Initiating (Intake/Demand). The process by which ePMO collects, evaluates, and prioritizes incoming project proposals or requests for consideration.
• Planning. The process of establishing goals, defining objectives, determining strategies, and outlining the necessary steps to achieve a desired outcome.
• Implementation. The process of putting a plan into action or practice.
• Closure. The act of bring a project to its conclusion, indicating that objectives have been met, deliverables are completed, and the project is no longer active.
• Monitoring. Heightened level of support immediately following the implementation.

• Project Manager. Responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing a project's lifecycle and ensuring its successful completion.
• Project sponsors. Positioned at a higher organizational level and offers support and resources, ensuring the project aligns with overall goals and objectives.
• Team members. Individuals that work collaboratively, pooling their skills, knowledge, and efforts to achieve the project's goals and objectives.
• Stakeholder. An individual or group that has an interest, influence, or impact on a project.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME). Serves as an authority qualified to provide guidance and strategy in a specific area or topic.

• Scope. Specific boundaries, tasks, and goals of a project or an activity.
• Phase. A segment in the lifecycle of a project, representing a specific period during which certain activities are planned, executed, and controlled.
• Milestone. A significant and measurable event within a project's timeline.
• Workstream. A specific set of tasks or activities within a larger project.
• Workgroup. A team with complementary skills and shared responsibilities, collaboratively working on specific tasks within a larger project.
• Task. A specific and defined piece of work or activity that needs to be accomplished within a project.

• Charter. A document that outlines the purpose, goals, and key details of a project; a foundational guide.
• Project plan. A comprehensive document that outlines the tasks, timelines, resources, and other essential details of a project.
• Stakeholder register. A document that organizes information about individuals or groups that have an interest, influence, or impact on a project.
• Risk log. A document that captures and track potential risks, including details about the risks and the strategies in place to mitigate them.
• Issues log. A document that keeps track of problems, challenges, or concerns that arise during a project.

• Schedule Performance Index (SPI). A measure of how closely the actual progress, represented by earned value, aligns with the planned progress in a project.
• Status. The progress of a project; measured using pre defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Trend. The general direction in which progress is changing over time. Monitoring trends helps to proactively address potential issues, capitalize on opportunities, and make informed decisions.