Book excerpt: Effective managers now recognize that most operational activities aimed at achieving key team objectives can and should be considered projects and managed accordingly. Typically these projects will range from: complex operational tasks, one-off initiatives such as moving offices or installing a new IT system, to the development of new products and services. However, while many of the traditional project management principles still apply, most tools and techniques need to be adapted and simplified to make them relevant to modern businesses. For those that master these new skills, exciting career opportunities lie ahead that will accelerate functional managers into new areas.