The Project Life Cycle

In project management, success depends on strategic planning and execution of its project lifecycle. Project lifecycles are used to break down projects into sequential phases with specific tasks and deliverables to track progress and identify potential problems. When it comes to breaking down a project, numerous project lifecycles are available to choose from. Based on my experience with various methods, they all share three similarities: they divide tasks into Starting, Working, and Finishing a project.

3 Project Phases

The phases of project management are essential for project managers because they provide a structured approach and clear path forward to start, work, and finish projects. Following the phases also helps Project Managers to track progress, allocate efficient resources, avoid potential problems, and engage stakeholders.

Under the management of the Project Manager and supported by the Project Management Office (PMO), each project phase is effectively and efficiently initiated, planned, executed, controlled, monitored, and closed. The Project Manager partners with the project team and stakeholders to ensure that each phase is completed successfully.

Start Phase – Defining the Vision

  • In this phase, we define the project’s goals and deliverables while creating detailed plans for managing the scope, changes, schedule, cost, resources, risks, and communications. We also identify all stakeholders and secure their support to ensure successful project execution. This phase is the most important as it establishes the purpose and approach of the project.

Work Phase – Vision to Life

  • During this phase, gathering requirements, designing solutions, developing and testing software, and tracking progress is critical to ensure alignment with the project plan. We also address any risks and issues to maintain the project’s course. This phase executes the work planned in the first phase.

Finish Phase – Vision Success

  • The project must be delivered to stakeholders immediately during this phase. This is the time to create detailed documentation encapsulating the project’s journey and lessons learned, releasing the project team from their duties, closing out contracts, and celebrating the project’s success. This phase is essential to formally close the project and lay the groundwork for future endeavors.

To ensure a successful completion of each phase, the tips below can be applied:

  • Thorough Planning: Dedicate ample time during the Start Phase to establish a robust and comprehensive plan. Make sure you have methods for managing the project’s scope, schedule, resources, cost, quality, risks, issues, decisions, action items, communications, procurement, and stakeholders.
  • Focused Execution: Navigate the Work Phase with unwavering attention to detail and thoroughly follow the plans and methods outlined in the Start Phase.
  • Thorough Documentation: The Finish Phase requires full documentation on the project’s best practices, lessons learned, and journey to success.

By following these phases closely, Project Managers can greatly improve their chances of project management success.

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