A Task is a specific activity or work that needs to be completed in order to achieve a project goal.
Tasks are the fundamental units of work in a project schedule. They contribute to deliverables and milestones, are typically assigned to individuals or teams, and are defined with clear start and finish parameters to support tracking and control.
Key Characteristics
- Action-Oriented – Represents a discrete piece of work to be performed
- Defined Scope and Duration – Has measurable boundaries and time constraints
- Linked to Goals – Contributes directly to work packages, deliverables, or milestones
- Trackable – Monitored for status, progress, and completion
Example Scenarios
- Writing a user manual for a completed software module
- Conducting system testing on a new application build
- Scheduling and facilitating a stakeholder review meeting
Role in Project Execution
- Builds the Schedule – Tasks form the basis of network diagrams and Gantt charts
- Enables Resource Assignment – Aligned with team members or external contributors
- Supports Progress Tracking – Used in reporting tools to measure performance
- Connects to WBS – Tasks roll up into work packages and control accounts
See also: Activity, Work Package, Work Breakdown Structure, Milestone, Schedule Model.