The project management lifecycle is a crucial framework that guides project managers and teams to have a better chance of successfully delivering projects and project outcomes. Traditional project management frameworks might list multiple phases, but our focus is on four distinct phases: Initiating, Planning, Delivering and Closing.
What are some of the main features of these four phases, and how do they benefit the project manager and project team in managing and controlling projects?
Phase 1 – Initiating your Project
The first phase of the project management lifecycle is the initiating phase. This phase involves having a clear understanding of project cost, time and quality.
Furthermore, the initiating phase starts to identify the project stakeholders, which involves having a clear understanding of stakeholder viewpoints, expectations and requirements relating to project success and failure.
Integral to the initiating phase is the all-important project start-up documentation, which briefly outlines the background of the project, objectives, scope, constraints, assumptions, risks and deliverables.
Phase 2 – Planning your Project
The next phase is the planning phase. This is arguably the most important phase throughout the project lifecycle. Unlike the initiating phase which examines ‘why’ the project is needed, the planning phase involves a detailed mapping of ‘how’ the project will be delivered and executed.
To highlight the crucial importance of planning and preparation, Abraham Lincoln once said: ‘Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.’ Clearly, we can all see the connection to planning when it comes to delivering and controlling a successful project.
The planning phase will often include the implementation of planning tools and techniques, namely: Network diagrams, Gantt charts, Work Breakdown Structures, Communication plans and RASCI models, to name but a few.
Phase 3 – Delivering your Project
The delivering phase includes the monitoring, controlling and quality inspections of the project. Regularly monitoring the progress of your project and communicating the project status to the key project stakeholders is vital to the success of the project.
The delivering phase will also communicate and document any changes and adjustments to the project which will assist in the delivery and closure of the project.
Maintaining regular and open communication with the key project stakeholders is a vital step that will enable the project manager and the project team to achieve the project’s aims and objectives. Furthermore, good communication with project stakeholders will help to build and maintain trust and motivation.
Phase 4 – Closing your Project
Fundamentally, the closing phase is all about completing and handing over the final deliverable. A successful closing phase should include the sometimes forgotten or overlooked ‘lessons learned or project reflection’ which enables the project team to examine the project in terms of success and failure.
Additionally, lessons learned will enable the project team to review any newly discovered problem-solving skills and the development of any organisational learning.
The closing phase should also include a ‘project celebration’ whereby the project team can celebrate their hard work and endeavours.
In review, the project lifecycle will enable the project manager and project team to successfully navigate the pathway of a project. Furthermore, following these project lifecycle phases can greatly enhance the chances of project success.
Organising Project Management Training
If you are relatively new to project management and want to understand the principles of effective project management, or perhaps you already have some experience within the field of project management and need a refresher to better manage and control your projects?
Whatever your professional situation, please contact one of our expert, friendly team members to discuss our project management and stakeholder management training courses, and the options available to you and your team.