Project Management vs Task Management: Key Differences
- Adilla
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
Task management and project management tend to share a similar meaning, but actually, they don't. Task management is part of project management, but project management isn’t task management.
Table of Contents
Why Are People Confused by These Terms?
Although these two concepts are interconnected, they are not the same thing, which leads to confusion between the terms. Project management is a bigger picture compared to task management.
For example, project managers would have to consider components like budget and the overall goal of a project when executing project management. Whereas task managers would not be involving other parts to manage other than the tasks that are laid out and assigned to the team, though project management does the same, too, which is where the confusion might lie. Some people might see task managers as project managers or vice versa.
This distinction can be a source of misunderstandings, especially if you only focus on one aspect of each management.
The Definition of Project Management
A project comes with an objective to deliver or produce a product or a service. There’s a clear start and end to a project.
Project management is a process of planning and leading a project from start to finish. It involves factors like setting objectives and a project timeline while allocating resources and tasks for the team. Plus, risk management and quality assurance would also be part of project management.
The Definition of Task Management
A task is a piece of work that needs to be done in a specific timeframe, often in a short timeframe.
While task management is also a process, it doesn’t involve the extra key principles of project management. Task management involves organising specific tasks within a project or for ongoing workflows.
3 Key Differences Between Project Management and Task Management
1. The Goal
This is the biggest difference between task management and project management: the size and scope of the goal. Project management would be used to manage the overall team to reach the end goal, while task management is used to arrange tasks for individuals and ensure that they complete the task.
2. What Each Management Covers
Task management requires a preexisting set of workflows to execute them, whereas project management is executed as soon as planning begins. For example, when starting a design project, the tasks you need to complete are the ones that begin your project. In project management, however, you would also include listing the colours, references, and tools necessary to execute the project.
3. Project Management Exists with a Purpose; Task Management Is Ever Present
Task management would still be running even after a project finishes. There would be recurring tasks that need to be done for the team that exists beyond the project, like reports and meetings for post-project requirements, or even to begin another project.
Which One Do You Need for Your Work?
Task management is typically for short-term goals and does not require a team, while project management involves a team and focuses on long-term objectives. However, if you do integrate both, your team’s workflow would improve.
For example, once a project ends, there would still be other tasks to be considered. Task managers will guide the team through a new project, ensuring they know what to do when the project ends.
Key Takeaway
Task management is an ingredient that makes up the pie of project management.
It can enhance the overall team's sense of responsibility for their work when viewed in a broader context.
While project management seems more significant, both can work together to create a better workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the main difference between task and project management?
The main difference between task and project management is the level of detail and complexity. Project management involves more factors compared to task management.
Do I need both tools for small creative teams?
While not necessary, having both project and task management tools will improve your team’s workflow.
Can task management replace project management?
Not quite. Task management would be able to fulfil only a part of what project management is. But since it does not include crucial factors like budget allocation or risk management, your team might encounter unforeseeable issues.
How do I organise tasks within a project?
By utilising task management tools within a project, it will help your workflow in which your tasks would be broken down into smaller details to better pace your team’s capacity.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, like parodies of animated shows and plots for board games. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Now an advocate for mental health and effective project management for the creative industry. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.
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