Projects and BAU (Business As Usual) work are fundamentally different in purpose, structure, and approach. Here is a clear differentiation:
Temporary: Projects have a defined start and end date. They exist only for as long as it takes to achieve their specific goal or deliverable.
Unique Output: Each project aims to create something new or unique, such as a product, service, or result that did not exist before.
Change-Oriented: Projects are vehicles for change, introducing new capabilities, systems, or improvements to the organization.
Defined Objectives: Projects are initiated to meet specific objectives and are closed once those objectives are achieved.
Examples: Launching a new product, implementing a new IT system, constructing a building.
Ongoing: BAU refers to the standard, routine operations that keep the organization running. These activities are continuous and do not have a defined end point.
Repetitive Output: BAU involves performing the same or similar tasks repeatedly to maintain business operations.
Stability-Oriented: BAU focuses on maintaining and optimizing existing processes, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and stability.
No Unique Deliverable: BAU does not aim to create something new but to sustain and improve current operations.
Examples: Payroll processing, customer service, routine maintenance, monthly reporting.
The main difference is that a project is a temporary effort to create a unique product, service, or result, while BAU is the ongoing, repetitive work that sustains the organization’s daily operations.
Or simply: Projects change the business; BAU runs the business.
Projects and routine (or BAU—business as usual) work are fundamentally different in purpose, structure, and outcomes.
Projects are temporary, unique endeavors with a specific goal, defined start and end, and a dedicated team. They introduce change, deliver a one-off product or result, and then disband.
Routine/BAU Work involves ongoing, repetitive tasks that maintain daily business operations. The focus is on stability, efficiency, and incremental improvement, with permanent teams and established processes.
Please review the list of current projects in your department. For each project, indicate whether you believe it is best managed using a Traditional or Agile approach, and briefly explain your reasoning for each classification.
Drop your answers on your APM Workbook.