Project Management Terminology Starting with “G” & "H"

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

After learning terminology from A to F, now we move to the “G” series, which focuses on project planning, governance, and strategic direction.

In real-world engineering and development projects—like steel plant upgrades, infrastructure works, or startup initiatives—these terms are critical for planning, monitoring, and decision-making.

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

1. Gantt Chart

Definition: A bar chart that shows the project schedule with activities and timelines.

Simple Meaning: A visual timeline of project activities.

How it works:

• Activities listed on left side

• Time shown on top

• Bars represent duration

Example:
In a plant project:

• Civil work → Week 1–3

• Erection → Week 4–5

• Testing → Week 6

This is displayed clearly using a Gantt Chart.

2. Goal

Definition: The higher-level objective a project aims to achieve.

Simple Meaning: The final purpose of the project.

Example:

• Increase plant production by 20%

• Improve safety standards

• Reduce downtime

These are Project Goals.

3. Goal Statement

Definition: A high-level statement describing the project’s purpose, quality focus, and expected benefits.

Simple Meaning: Written explanation of the project goal.

Example Goal Statement:
“To improve production efficiency and reduce downtime by installing a high-pressure descaling system.”

4. Governance

Definition: The system of planning, controlling, and directing project policies and decisions.

Simple Meaning: How the project is managed and controlled at a higher level.

Includes:

• Policies

• Decision-making structure

• Authority levels

5. Governance Model

Definition: The framework of roles, responsibilities, and processes for project control.

Simple Meaning: Who will manage what and how.

Includes:

• Project Sponsor

• Project Manager

• Steering Committee

• Reporting structure

6. Governance of Project Management (GoPM)

Definition: Corporate-level governance that ensures project activities align with business goals.

Simple Meaning: Ensuring all projects support company strategy.

Benefits:
✔ Alignment with company goals
✔ Efficient project delivery
✔ Long-term sustainability

7. Grant

Definition: Funds provided by an organization (government, company, foundation) for a specific project.

Simple Meaning: Financial support for a project.

Key Points:

• Given for specific purpose

• Requires reporting

• Usually non-returnable

Example:
Government funding for a skill development training project is a Grant.

8. Histogram (Resource Histogram)

Definition: A graphical representation of resource usage over time, shown using vertical bars.

Simple Meaning: A chart that shows how much manpower or resources are used during different periods of a project.

Purpose of Histogram:

• Identify overuse of manpower

• Detect underutilized resources

• Balance resource allocation

Example:
In a plant erection project:

• Week 1 → 10 workers

• Week 2 → 25 workers

• Week 3 → 40 workers

This variation is shown in a Histogram chart using vertical bars.

Why it is useful:
✔ Helps avoid labour overload
✔ Helps optimize manpower planning
✔ Improves productivity

9. Human Resource Management (HRM)

Definition: The process of managing people working on the project through policies and procedures.

Simple Meaning: Managing the project team effectively.

HRM Includes:

• Recruitment of workers

• Training and development

• Performance evaluation

• Motivation and rewards

• Retention of skilled workers

Example in Project:

• Hiring skilled welders

• Training operators

• Assigning supervisors

• Providing safety training

All of this is part of Human Resource Management.

Related Articles

• Project Management Terminology for Beginners
• What is Project Management?
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “A”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “B”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “C”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “D”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “E”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “F”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “I”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “L”
• Project Management Terminology Starting with “M”