CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager is leading a website redesign project. The sponsor asks, 'What is the difference between a project and ongoing operations?' Which of the following best describes a project?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse the temporary and unique nature of a project with the repetitive and permanent nature of operations.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. The website redesign has a definite start and end, and its outcome is unique. Ongoing operations are repetitive and permanent. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to project management and aligns with the CAPM core concepts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.
Why this is correct
A project is temporary (definite start and end) and produces a unique deliverable. The website redesign has a defined timeline and a unique outcome, fitting this definition. Ongoing operations are repetitive and sustain the business, while projects are closed once objectives are met.
- ✗
A repetitive process that maintains business continuity and produces standardized outputs.
Why it's wrong here
This describes ongoing operations, not a project. Operations are permanent and repetitive, such as monthly payroll processing. The website redesign is a one-time effort with a unique goal, so it does not fit the definition of repetitive operations.
- ✗
A series of unrelated tasks performed without a defined beginning or end.
Why it's wrong here
Projects have a defined beginning and end, and their tasks are related to achieve a specific objective. Unrelated tasks without boundaries describe disorganized work, not a project. The website redesign is a structured, time-bound effort with a clear goal.
- ✗
A permanent organizational function that manages resources and personnel on a continuous basis.
Why it's wrong here
A permanent function is characteristic of a department or operations, not a project. Projects are temporary and end when their objectives are achieved. The website redesign will conclude after launch, so it is not a permanent function.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.