A template is a generic document that can be used to increase efficiency in project management. Templates are usually created from previous projects or provided by certain software programs. Several generic templates may be available to choose from and can be adjusted to meet the needs of specific projects. They require little creativity but still provide a stimulating visual for presentation of information. A template enables the user to decrease the amount of time it takes to organize a project. Assimilation of necessary information is efficient and congruity of ideas is maintained. Some templates use a fill in the blank style. The generic nature of the template allows project management for many different projects, ideas, and presentations. Templates can be used for display of definitions, pictures, graphs, and other projects. Templates created for some software programs offer several standard templates to choose from. This creates different options to deliver the same information in different styles. Using a template to simplify project management reduces errors, simplifies organization of essential information, and creates an effective visual presentation of facts, data, bar and line graphs, and other necessary data.
This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.