Project Management Disappointment: A Misalignment of Expectations
Edmund J. Martinez, MBA, MPH, PMP
4 min read
Ever jumped into a project management role only to find yourself without any actual projects? This can be particularly disheartening for Project Management Professionals (PMP®) who have invested years in gaining experience, studying, and training to pass the PMP exam and become certified (Project Management Institute, 2025). When the opportunity arises and you secure a project manager position, you dive in, only to be assigned tasks or assignments rather than projects to manage.
From the employer’s perspective, managers or executives may lead one or multiple projects that consist of numerous tasks or assignments. Hence, they feel the need to hire a project manager to assist with these projects. When drafting a job description, the hiring team often looks for comparable skills and potential certifications that candidates should possess to fulfill the duties of the new project manager role. As a highly qualified PMP accepts the position, they may find, to their dismay, that there are no projects. Where was the disconnect in communication?
Definition of a Project
One of the most common reasons for this disconnect between expectations and reality is miscommunication and misunderstanding of what defines a project versus an assignment. Merriam-Webster defines a project as “a specific plan or design” and “a planned undertaking” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). The Project Management Institute (PMI), the authority on project management and the organization that designates the global PMP certification, defines a project as “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result” (Project Management Institute, 2017). These definitions are similar to a task or assignment, which Merriam-Webster defines as “a piece of work often to be finished within a certain time” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Is there a difference between tasks, assignments, and projects? Or are they technically all the same? Let’s explore what distinguishes an assignment from a project.
Scope and Duration
Both projects and assignments can vary in complexity, impacting their scope and duration. Smaller projects can have a limited scope and need to be completed in a short duration, similar to typical assignments that also have a small scope and can be completed within a short period of time. However, projects differ in that they are temporary endeavors with a defined beginning and end, undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. They often involve multiple phases and tasks (Project Management Institute, 2017). In contrast, an assignment is usually a specific task or set of tasks assigned to an individual or team and is part of a larger project or ongoing operational work. By definition, projects have a specific end date, meaning they are not ongoing operational processes. Therefore, no project task is part of any ongoing process (Merriam-Webster, n.d.).
Objectives
The difference between a project and an assignment is distinct when it comes to their objectives. A project’s primary objective is to achieve specific goals and deliverables within its set constraints (i.e., time, scope, and cost). Projects aim to bring about change or add value through their outcomes (Project Management Institute, 2017). In contrast, the objective of an assignment is to complete a particular task or set of tasks as directed. Assignments focus on the execution of specific activities rather than broader goals.
Responsibilities, Execution, and Management
When a project begins, the project manager is responsible for the overall success of the project, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closing or the project’s life cycle. The project manager coordinates resources, manages risks, and ensures that the project meets its objectives (Project Management Institute, 2017). Managing a project is complex as it involves resource allocation and tracking, stakeholder management, and leading cross-functional teams. Assignments, on the other hand, are the responsibility of an individual or team who, for the most part, have the necessary resources, skills, and competence to execute the work effectively. Assignments are less complex and may not require extensive planning or management. They are typically straightforward with little oversight (Merriam-Webster, n.d.).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the misalignment of expectations between project managers and employers often stems from a lack of clear communication regarding the nature of projects versus assignments. While projects are temporary endeavors aimed at creating unique outcomes and require extensive planning, coordination, and management, assignments are more straightforward tasks that support larger projects or operational work. It is essential for both parties to clearly define roles and responsibilities to ensure that project managers are provided with the opportunities to utilize their skills effectively and achieve the desired outcomes. By understanding and differentiating between projects and assignments, organizations can better align their expectations and improve overall project success.
Works Cited
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Assignment. Retrieved from Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assignment
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Project. Retrieved from www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/project
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Task. Retrieved from www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/task
Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide) (6th ed.). Newtown Square: Project Management Institute.
Project Management Institute. (2025). Project Management Professional. Retrieved from Project Management Institute: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp
