Project Management Terminology Starting with “D”

A simple and practical guide for engineers, students, and professionals

After understanding A, B, and C project management terminology, we now move to the “D” terms, which are very important for project execution, planning, coordination, and scheduling.

In real-life projects like steel plant erection, equipment installation, or infrastructure development, these terms are used regularly in planning meetings, schedules, and execution strategies.

Let’s understand each term in a simple, clear, and practical way.

1. Deliverable

Definition: Any measurable, tangible or intangible, verifiable item that must be produced to complete a process, phase, or project.

Simple Meaning: The final output or result of work.

Examples of Deliverables:

• Installed pump system

• Approved design drawing

• Commissioning report

• Training completion certificate

If it can be measured and verified, it is a Deliverable.

2. Dependency

Definition: A relationship between two or more project tasks.

Simple Meaning: One task depends on another.

Types of Dependencies:

• Logical dependency (sequence-based)

• Resource dependency (same manpower or equipment)

Example:
You cannot start pump alignment before pump erection is complete.
This is a Dependency.

3. Detailed Implementation Plan

Definition: A complete set of updated schedules, plans, targets, and systems for smooth project execution.

Simple Meaning: The final execution plan before work starts.

Includes:

• Detailed schedule

• Resource plan

• Procurement plan

• Safety plan

• Quality plan

This plan is prepared after project approval and before execution begins.

4. Development Goals

Definition: The main purpose or long-term objective behind the project.

Simple Meaning: Why the project is being done.

Examples:

• Increase production capacity

• Improve safety

• Reduce downtime

• Save energy

These are the Development Goals of the project.

5. Dialogue

Definition: A discussion where participants share ideas to improve understanding and reach agreement.

Simple Meaning: Healthy discussion to solve problems.

Difference between Dialogue and Debate:

• Dialogue → understanding and agreement

• Debate → winning an argument

Example:
Discussion between client and contractor to finalize layout → Dialogue

6. Duration

Definition: The total time required to complete a project activity.

Simple Meaning: How long a task takes.

Measured In:

• Hours

• Days

• Weeks

• Months

Example:

• Foundation work → 5 days

• Erection → 3 days

• Testing → 2 days

This is the Activity Duration.