The “Types of Projects. Different Projects You Should Know” blog post is a comprehensive guide that explores various project types. This post is intended to assist project managers and team members in understanding the various project types that they may experience and how to address them effectively. At the conclusion of this article, readers will have a better knowledge of the various project types.

Types of Projects

The project is divided into different sections from different perspectives like the product, size, duration importance, etc. of the project. Below is a brief description of different types of projects:

  1. Common Types of Projects: All types of projects are generally divided into three categories. The following three types of project relationships are briefly discussed:
    1. Business Project: Business projects are those projects which are conducted for the purpose of business i.e. for profit.
    2. Development Projects: It covers all development and research projects. Examples of such projects are the development of new products, the introduction of existing products, etc.
    3. Technical Projects: The projects that are conducted under technical and information technology are called technical projects. For example, all IT-based projects are examples of this.
  2. Projects based on Projects: Product based projects are as follows:
    1. Administrative: Exampleー the addition of new accounting methods
    2. Construction: Exampleー Building, construction of roads
    3. Computer software development: Exampleー New computer program
    4. Planning and design: Exampleー Architectural or engineering plan
    5. Installing equipment or systems: Exampleー IT system
    6. Eventful: Exampleー Olympiad
    7. Maintenance and processing industry: Exampleー Power Plant
    8. New product development: Exampleー Creating a new medicine
    9. Research: Exampleー A model of economic development of Bangladesh is ready
  3. Projects based on Size: The project based on the size of project can be divided into three parts. Namelyー small projects, medium projects, and large projects. However, there is no self-evident definition of the size of a project, whether it is small, large, or medium. However, the classification of the project on the basis of size is shown belowー
    1. Small Size Project: A project that usually spends 1-250 working hours is called a small project.
    2. Medium Size Project: A project that spends 251-5000 working hours is called a medium-sized project.
    3. Large Size Project: A project that costs more than 5,000 working hours is called a large-scale project.
  4. Project-based on Benefits: The Planning Commission of Bangladesh has divided the project into three categories according to the benefits of the project. They are briefly discussed below:
    1. Projects ‘X’: Class ‘X’ projects are usually run for profit. Revenue is generated by selling the products and services produced from these projects. This type of project is carried out with its own funds. These projects are self-sufficient because the project can run on its own through profit. For example, the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Project adopted by Dhaka WASA is an example of this type of project.
    2. Project ‘Y’: Such projects are productive but do not generate revenue from the production of these projects. Such projects are conducted for the benefit of others. Such as irrigation projects, dam projects, road construction projects, etc.
    3. Project ‘Z’: ‘Z’ class projects are those projects whose results and benefits are not visible and the benefits cannot be measured directly. Such projects are accepted for the benefit of others. Examples of such projects are the construction of hospitals, educational institutions, training institutes, etc.
  5. Projects based on Priority: The project is divided into two parts, identifying the more important and less important ones on a priority basis to ensure the best use of limited resources. The following is a brief discussion:
    1. Core Project: Projects that are more important and prioritize implementation are called core projects. For example, the purchase of an ambulance will be considered as a core project between the two requirements for the purchase of an ambulance and television for a hospital. Generally ‘X’ classified and infrastructure development projects are considered as core projects.
    2. Non-Core Project: Non-core projects are projects that are not immediately urgent and are relatively less important. For example, in the case of the hospital mentioned in the previous core project, the purchase of television would be considered a non-core project.
  6. Projects based on Development and Implementation Stage: The project development and implementation project are divided into four parts. The following is a brief discussion:
    1. Experimental Project: Such projects are usually conducted on a small scale for innovative needs. Experimental projects are adopted to know the unknown or to invent the right alternative approach. Such projects as bird flu prevention, arsenic-free water, drug rehabilitation projects, etc.
    2. Pilot Project: A pilot project is when the success of a project, achievement of objectives, cost, effectiveness, manpower, technical, social acceptability, time, etc. are analyzed by judging a small scale before implementing a large project. Important decisions about the original project are made based on the results of the pilot project. For example, in order to get votes with electronic voting machines all over the country, first, the votes were taken in electronic voting machines in Gazipur. Electronic voting machine voting in Gazipur is an example of a pilot project.
    3. Demonstration Project: Such projects are adopted to inform the beneficiaries about the benefits of the project and the potential benefits of the project. Through this project, the beneficiaries are introduced to the new technology. For example, if a project is adopted to increase productivity and reduce production costs through the use of new technology instead of conventional mango cultivation at the local level, it will be considered a demonstration project.
    4. Replication Project: A project that is invented through a pilot project, verified through a pilot project, and inspired by an exhibition project is called a repeat project when it is launched on a large scale. For example, the food saline project invented by ICDDRB in Bangladesh is a repetitive project.
  7. Projects based on Sponsor: The project can be divided into three main parts on the basis of the sponsor. E.g. –
    1. Public Projects: A project undertaken and managed by the government is called a government project. Examples are ー Communication and Rural Market Development and Rehabilitation Project, Rural Infrastructure Development Project, RCC Bridge Project, etc.
    2. Private Project: A project adopted and managed by a private enterprise is called a private project. For exampleー, Fantasy Kingdom Amusement Park is a private project adopted and managed by Concord Group.
    3. Public-Private Partnership Project: At present, there are many projects where implementation is done on the basis of the partnership between government and private entrepreneurs. It is called a public-private partnership project. Examples are – Dhaka Flyover, Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park, Dhaka Chittagong four-lane access-controlled highway project, etc.
  8. Other Projects: Apart from the above projects, there are many other projects such as welfare projects, research projects, training projects, procurement projects, construction projects, etc.