1) Projects are unique
Projects are unique and have not been done/executed in this specific way before. Business as usual is an ongoing activity and are repeated in the same way on a ongoing basis. An example of this is the design of a new car which will be classed as a project where the ongoing manufacturing of the same car in the same way is business as usual.
2) Projects are temporary
Projects are temporary and have a finite time to produce the deliverables. BAU is a repetitive process where the same things are done in the same way and this will continue indefinitely. An example of this is the designing and manufacturing of a car (the first few) by a certain point in time will be a project while the ongoing manufacturing of the same car in the same way is BAU.
3) Projects produce a product only once
Projects are established to meet a specific requirement/deliverable at a specific time e.g. producing a new smart phone to meet specific requirements. Once the new phone has been accepted as meeting the requirements, the process of manufacturing will be handed over to BAU. The ongoing production of the phone will follow the exact process/steps every time and is considered business as usual.
4) Projects seek step change and transformation
Projects exist because there is a need to change or transform a process / product e.g. replacing an old system (Windows 7) and introducing a new system that will change the way people work (Office 365). This will require a significant change in business process and will be delivered as a project. BAU will seek continuity and consistency and will only allow slow incremental improvements to the process.
5) Projects are funded from a Capital Budget
Projects are often funded from a capital budget and this budget will allow the project to deliver for example a new asset e.g. the construction of a new warehouse. Once the construction is competed and handed over to business as usual, an operational budget will be used to cover the ongoing day to day running and maintenance of the warehouse.
Chantelle as Brian says there marks for doing the list, so always make sure you list things first. Other than that I would say you have given enough detail and explanation in your answer to get good marks in the exam.
HI Chantelle. I also am doing the exam in 3 weeks. The answers look good. My biggest advice for the exam is (1) always follow the format for answers e.g. if its list and describe then make sure you do a list (2) Make sure you read the question carefully – if its advantages then give advantages – i have seen to many people get 0 marks for questions which they clearly have the knowledge to answer but gave the answer to a different question. (3) If comparing (e.g. BAU to Projects) then use the whereas in your answer. (4) give examples half your marks on a describe are for statement of fact – i.e. you know your stuff and half are for depth of knowledge (i.e. an example). 5 – Keep to your time in exams 15 mins per question and aim to write approx 2.5 pages per question. 6 Do a plan and answer your best questions first to build confidence. 7 If your not confident about a topic you might be able to afford to leave it out. Finally good luck