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Project Life Cycle Phases Explained

The project life cycle refers to the logical sequence of stages that a project goes through from initiation to closure. It includes an initiation phase where the project is defined, a planning phase where tasks are broken down, an execution phase where the project plan is implemented, and a closure phase that marks project completion. Organizing projects into distinct phases allows for efficient planning, tracking of goals, and justification of decisions. Different industries require tailored life cycle approaches due to varying needs and procedures. Each phase utilizes specific tools and methodologies to accomplish key objectives.

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156 views3 pages

Project Life Cycle Phases Explained

The project life cycle refers to the logical sequence of stages that a project goes through from initiation to closure. It includes an initiation phase where the project is defined, a planning phase where tasks are broken down, an execution phase where the project plan is implemented, and a closure phase that marks project completion. Organizing projects into distinct phases allows for efficient planning, tracking of goals, and justification of decisions. Different industries require tailored life cycle approaches due to varying needs and procedures. Each phase utilizes specific tools and methodologies to accomplish key objectives.

Uploaded by

shahrolhazrien
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The

Project Life Cycle


refers to a logical sequence of activities to accomplish the projectsgoals or
objectives. Regardless of scope or complexity, any project goes through a series
of stages during its life. There is first anInitiationor Birth phase, in which the outputs
and criticalsuccess factors are defined, followed by aPlanningphase, characterized
by breaking down theproject into smaller parts/tasks, an Execution phase, in which
the project plan is executed, andlastly a Closure or Exit phase, that marks the
completion of the [Link] activities must be
grouped into phases
because by doing so, the project manager andthe core team can efficiently plan and
organize resources for each activity, and also objectivelymeasure achievement of
goals and justify their decisions to move ahead, correct, or [Link] is of great
importance to organize project phases into industry-specific project cycles. Why?Not
only because each industry sector involves specific requirements, tasks, and
procedureswhen it comes to projects, but also because different industry sectors
have different needs for life cycle management methodology. And paying close
attention to such details is the differencebetween doing things well and excelling as
project [Link] project management tools and methodologies prevail in
the different project cyclephases. Lets take a closer look at
whats important
in each one of these stages:
1) Initiation
In this first stage, the scope of the project is defined along with the approach to be
taken todeliver the desired outputs. The project manager is appointed and in turn,
he selects the teammembers based on their skills and experience. The most
common tools or methodologies usedin the initiation stage are
Project Charter
,
Business Plan
,
Project Framework
(or Overview),Business Case Justification, and Milestones Reviews.
2) Planning

The second phase should include a detailed identification and


assignment of each task
untilthe end of the project. It should also include a
risk analysis
and a definition of a criteria for thesuccessful completion of each deliverable. The
governance process is defined, stake holdersidentified and reporting frequency and
channels agreed. The most common tools or methodologies used in the planning
stage are Business Plan and
Milestones Reviews
.
3)Execution and controlling
The most important issue in this phase is to ensure project activities are properly
executed andcontrolled. During the
execution phase
, the planned solution is implemented to solve theproblem specified in the project's
requirements. In product and system development, a designresulting in a specific
set of product requirements is created. This convergence is measured byprototypes,
testing, and reviews. As the execution phase progresses, groups across
theorganization become more deeply involved in planning for the final testing,
production, and

support. The most common tools or methodologies used in the execution phase are
an updateof Risk Analysis and Score Cards, in addition to Business Plan and
Milestones Reviews.
4
)Closure
In this last stage, the project manager must ensure that the project is brought to its
proper completion
. The closure phase is characterized by a written formal project review
reportcontaining the following components: a formal acceptance of the final product
by the client,Weighted Critical Measurements (matching the initial requirements
specified by the client withthe final delivered product), rewarding the team, a list of

lessons learned, releasing projectresources, and a formal project closure notification


to higher management. No special tool or methodology is needed during the closure
phase.

Common questions

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Organizing project phases into industry-specific project cycles is important because each industry sector requires specific tasks, requirements, and procedures for managing projects effectively. Different industries have varying needs for life cycle management methodologies, and paying attention to these details distinguishes competent project managers from excellent ones .

The Planning phase contributes to the success of a project by involving a detailed identification and assignment of each task until the project's end. It includes risk analysis and defining criteria for the successful completion of each deliverable, along with defining the governance process, identifying stakeholders, and agreeing on reporting frequency and channels. Common methodologies used in this stage include Business Plan and Milestones Reviews .

In the Closure phase, a formal project review report includes a section for lessons learned. This documentation is crucial as it provides insights into the project's successes and areas for improvement, serving as a reference for avoiding similar pitfalls and enhancing strategies in future projects. It supports continuous improvement in project management practices .

The significance of the Initiation phase in the Project Life Cycle lies in defining the project's scope and approach to deliver the desired outputs. During this stage, a project manager is appointed and selects team members based on their skills and experience. Common tools used in this phase include the Project Charter, Business Plan, Project Framework, Business Case Justification, and Milestones Reviews .

Risk analysis in the Planning phase involves identifying potential challenges and establishing criteria for deliverable success, contributing to the defined governance process. In the Execution phase, risk analysis is updated to account for changes or issues that arise during project implementation, using tools like Score Cards. This ensures continuous alignment of project outcomes with the initial plan .

In the Execution phase, product and system development are integrated by implementing the planned solution and developing a design that meets specific product requirements. Methodologies supporting this integration include updating Risk Analysis and using Score Cards, besides the Business Plan and Milestones Reviews, ensuring that execution aligns with project demands and adaptations .

Stakeholder identification and communication during the Planning phase are crucial because they ensure that stakeholders' needs and expectations are understood and managed effectively. Defining the communication frequency and channels prevents misunderstandings and misalignments, facilitating stakeholder support and engagement, which are essential for project success .

Resource management is critical across all Project Life Cycle phases—it ensures efficient planning, organization, and allocation of resources necessary for achieving project goals. Inadequate resource planning can lead to project delays, unmet objectives, and the inability to execute tasks effectively. Proper resource management enables project managers to justify decisions, facilitating successful transitions between stages .

In the Closure phase, the project manager must document a formal project review report that includes formal acceptance of the final product by the client, Weighted Critical Measurements matching initial requirements with the final product, rewarding the team, lessons learned, releasing project resources, and formal closure notification to higher management. Formal acceptance is crucial as it signifies the client's satisfaction and marks the official completion of project deliverables .

The Execution phase involves ensuring project activities are properly executed and controlled. This phase includes implementing the planned solution to address the project's requirements and creating a design resulting in specific product requirements. Activities are measured through prototypes, testing, and reviews. Additionally, as the phase progresses, various organizational groups plan for final testing, production, and support .

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