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The scope of a simple project compared to a complex project can be viewed in terms of building a home verses building the Hoover Dam.  The time and effort required is fundamentally different between the two.  What is not different however are the steps that one takes to accomplish the task.  By using the problem solving approach, anyone can tackle a simple or complex project by following linear steps.  The steps are as follows:

1. Identify the problem

2. Analyze and understand that problem

3. Identify solution requirements and expectations

4. Identify alternative solutions and choose the best course of action

5. Design the chosen solution

6. Implement the solution

7. Evaluate the results.”

Each step of this process can be followed in order to achieve the desired results, in our case a house or the Hoover Dam.  The time it will take to design and implement the house compared to the Dam however will be drastically different.

Both complex and simple projects require some degree of project management.  Simple projects at home such as repainting require less management than a more complex project at work.  A simple painting project may require the selection of  paint and materials, preparation of the project for painting, and the time needed to complete the project.  On the other hand, a complex project requires very defined guidelines in order to ensure that the project is completed to specifications, on time and on budget.  Project management ensures that the equipment, materials and labor are scheduled to be available when they are needed, sometimes in phases which keeps the project on schedule and budget.  Allowing a project to become over budget or to run over schedule may even cause the loss of the project and even stiff fines and penalties.