Definition

A large, complex software or business project built through centralized, hierarchical planning over long periods. Contrasts with 'bazaar' development, which is more chaotic but often more effective.

Example Usage

Our ERP implementation is a cathedral project—three years of planning, millions in budget, and still not done.

Origin

From Eric S. Raymond's 1997 essay 'The Cathedral and the Bazaar'

Fun Fact

Like actual cathedrals, these projects often take decades and outlive their original architects, who may not live to see completion.

Source: Software development and project management terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

brainstorming

A group creativity session where everyone throws ideas at the wall to see what sticks, usually involving whiteboards and someone saying 'there are no bad ideas' right before judging all the ideas. It's the corporate world's favorite way to democratize innovation while often producing committee-designed camels. When it works, it's brilliant; when it doesn't, it's just a really expensive meeting.

💼 Corporate / Business
Beginner

Stakeholder

Anyone who has an opinion about your project, which turns out to be literally everyone in the building plus several people who left the company years ago. Managing stakeholders is like herding cats, except the cats all have conflicting priorities and send passive-aggressive emails.

💼 Corporate / Business
Advanced

corporate veil

The legal separation between a corporation and its owners that protects personal assets from business liabilities. That thin fabric preventing your CEO's yacht from being seized when the company tanks.

💼 Corporate / Business
Beginner

vice-president

A senior executive who serves as second-in-command, ready to step into the top role when needed, or more commonly, someone who runs an important division while collecting an impressive title. In startups, vice-presidents multiply like rabbits; in established corporations, becoming one actually means something. The corporate equivalent of being heir to the throne, except with more spreadsheets.

💼 Corporate / Business
Intermediate

Move the Needle

To make a measurable impact, usually invoked by people who have no idea what the needle measures or where it currently sits. The needle, for the record, has never actually moved.

💼 Corporate / Business
Beginner

strategizing

The act of making plans that sound impressive in meetings but may or may not survive contact with reality. The business world's favorite activity, involving whiteboards, buzzwords, and conviction that this time the plan will actually work. Can range from legitimate tactical planning to elaborate ways of avoiding actual work.

💼 Corporate / Business

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