Which term describes a set of coordinated activities that has a specific start and finish and aims to achieve a specific goal?

The term that accurately describes a set of coordinated activities with a specific start and finish, aimed at achieving a specific goal, is "project." A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. It is characterized by a defined beginning and end, a specific set of objectives, and typically involves resources and activities coordinated to achieve those objectives.

In contrast, a program consists of multiple related projects managed in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually. A task refers to a single piece of work that forms part of a project, while an operation generally refers to ongoing activities that produce goods or provide services without a defined end date. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why "project" is the most appropriate term for the description provided in the question.