Which term describes a set of coordinated activities with a defined start and finish?

The term that describes a set of coordinated activities with a defined start and finish is "Project." A project is characterized by its temporary nature; it has specific objectives, a clear timeline, and is designed to produce a unique product or service. This definition emphasizes both the coordination of various activities and the importance of having distinct beginnings and endings, which are critical in differentiating projects from ongoing operations or tasks that may not have defined time frames or unique outcomes.

In contrast, a "Task" typically refers to a smaller, single unit of work that is part of a project or ongoing endeavor, but it does not encompass the broader coordination of activities. A "Program" may consist of multiple projects and is more about managing a group of related initiatives over a longer duration. Finally, "Operation" generally refers to ongoing activities or processes that are repetitive in nature and do not have a defined endpoint, further distinguishing it from the concept of a project. This nuanced understanding of these terms highlights why "Project" is the appropriate choice in this context.