Task in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
A task (also called activity) is the fundamental work unit in a project plan representing a specific action or operation to be performed that requires time, resources, and/or costs. Tasks are used to break down the entire project work into defined, manageable units that are typically represented in schedules (such as Gantt charts or network diagrams) with a duration, assigned resources, and dependencies to other tasks.
Example, best practice, and further information on the term
An example of a task in a software project is “Design user interface for login screen.” A best practice is to clearly, unambiguously, and understandably describe each task, including its expected outcome. This corresponds to the task definition process in the PMBOK Guide and parallels the formulation of user stories or tasks in agile methods. A good task definition fosters shared understanding within the team and enables precise planning and progress tracking.