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The Busy Person's Project Management Book
Tip: Project or Process?
A simple test for whether what you are doing is a project or a process is to take the Polaroid Test.
Imagine taking a Polaroid photo of your organisation before you undertake the activity under question and then imagine taking a photo of your organisation after the activity is complete.
If there is no change in your organisation's procedures, products, services or systems then you are undertaking process work. If there is a change visible to others, then you are talking about a project.
Another little test you can apply to determine whether you are doing process or project work is the McDonalds' Test. Working on the counter at McDonalds is a pure example of process work. Just walk up to a McDonalds counter person and when they ask you "Can I help you?", reply "Yes, I would like a Rack of Lamb and the Crepes Suzette, please".
The reaction will show you how well the process work model copes with uniqueness. A project-oriented McDonalds would immediately implement a project to create your favourite meal.