This section describes the common project management standards and the associated definitions of project and project management.
| Organisation | Website | Standard | Definition of Project | Definition of Project Management |
| ISO International Organization for Standardization | ISO 21502:2020(en), Project, programme and portfolio management — Guidance on project management | ISO 21500:2121 Project, programme and portfolio management – Guidance on project management 2021 | temporary endeavour to achieve one or more defined objectives | coordinated activities to direct and control the accomplishment of agreed objectives |
| IPMA International Project Management Association | Home – IPMA International Project Management Association | Individual Competence Baseline for Project Management ICB Version 4.0 2018 | A project is a unique, temporary, multi-disciplinary and organised endeavour to realise agreed deliverables within predefined requirements an constraints. | Project management typically involves personnel from project management associates up to senior project managers. |
| PMI Project Management Institute | Project Management Institute | PMI | A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Version 7.0 2021 | A temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, services, or result. | The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. |
| Axelos | PRINCE2 | Project Management | AXELOS | Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 6th Edition 2017 | A temporary organization that is created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to an agreed Business Case. | The planning, delegating, monitoring and control of all aspects of the project, and the motivation of those involved, to achieve the project objectives within the expected performance targets for time, cost, quality, scope, benefits and risks. |
| Association for Project Management | APM | The Chartered Body For The Project Profession | APM Body of Knowledge 7th Edition 2019 | A unique, transient endeavour undertaken to bring about change and to achieve planned objectives. | The application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and experience to achieve specific objectives for change. |