Translate "project" into "initiative

Initiative is the act of first proposing and organizing something. It's the action of accomplishing something by oneself, without recourse to the advice or counsel of someone else. It can also define the quality of someone who knows how to spontaneously make the decision necessary for action.

The word project should be avoided at all costs, because it means something quite different. A project is generally a fairly standard practice in many organizations. A project implies a highly linear process, with milestones that gradually reduce risk and ultimately deliver the object initially desired.

The exploratory process is by no means a linear one, since it is based on iterations, and risks do not diminish over time!