Phase 1: Project initiation
The project initiation phase is the first stage of turning an abstract idea into a meaningful goal. In this stage, you need to develop a business case and define the project on a broad level. In order to do that, you have to determine the need for the project and create a project charter.
The project charter is an important document consisting of details like the project constraints, goals, appointment of the project manager, budget, expected timeline, etc.
Once you have the project goals and project scope, identify key project stakeholders–the people who are to be involved in the project. Create a stakeholder register with the roles, designation, communication requirements, and influence.
While a clear goal of the project is established in this phase, a project charter does not contain any technical details that happen in the planning stage.
Consider the example of an automobile manufacturer assigned to develop an electric vehicle. The selection of the design, capacity, and battery power of the vehicle will not be a part of the initiation phase. The only certainty would be that an electric vehicle will be developed within the given timeframe and budget.
Phase 4: Project monitoring and controlling
In the project management process, the third and fourth phases are not sequential in nature. The project monitoring and controlling phase run simultaneously with project execution, thereby ensuring that objectives and project deliverables are met.
As a project manager, you can make sure that no one deviates from the original plan by establishing Critical Success Factors [CSF] and Key Performance Indicators [KPI].
During the monitoring phase of project management, the manager is also responsible for quantitatively tracking the effort and cost during the process. This tracking not only ensures that the project remains within the budget but also is important for future projects.
Phase 5: Project closing
This is the final phase of the project management process. The project closure stage indicates the end of the project after the final delivery. There are times when external talent is hired specifically for the project on contract. Terminating these contracts and completing the necessary paperwork is also the responsibility of the project manager.
Most teams hold a reflection meeting after the completion of the project in order to contemplate their successes and failures during the project. This is an effective method to ensure continuous improvement within the company to enhance the overall productivity of the team in the future.
The final task of this phase is to review the entire project complete a detailed report that covers every aspect. All of the necessary data is stored in a secure place that can be accessed by project managers of that organization.
Simplify your project management process
Nowadays, using cloud-based project management software is a common way of storing all of the documents related to the project.
Dividing a project into multiple phases gives the project a semblance of predictability. It gives a framework to operate, making it easier to plan and execute. While spreadsheets and post-it notes sufficed in the past, the requirement of digital project management is completely different.
You need the right tools to plan, organize, and track projects. You need an online project management software to simplify the project management phases for each project.
The phases of a project life cycle
Regardless of what kind of project you’re planning, every project goes through the same stages. Although each project will require its own set of unique processes and tasks, they all follow a similar framework. There’s always a beginning, a middle, and an end. This is called the project lifecycle.
The project lifecycle provides predictability and gives the project manager a way to tackle tasks in distinct phases. In this section, we’ll explain what you need to know about each phase.
Further Reading:
blog post
Best Practices for Your Project Management Initiation Phaseblog post
7 Stakeholders to Consult Before Starting a New ProjectFurther Reading:
blog post
Project Management Basics: 6 Steps to a Foolproof Project Planinfographic
10 Steps to a Kickass Kickoff Meetingblog post
How 5 PM Experts Create a Fail-Safe Project Management PlanThe execution phase
This stage is where the bulk of the project happens. Deliverables are built to make sure the project is meeting requirements. This is where most of the time, money, and people are pulled into the project.
As previously mentioned, a kickoff meeting is held to mark the official start of the execution phase. A kickoff meeting agenda might look something like this:
- Introductions: Who’s who?
- Project background: Why are you doing this project? What are the goals?
- Project scope: What kind of work is involved?
- Project plan: What does the roadmap look like?
- Roles: Who will be responsible for which elements of the project?
- Communication: What kind of communication channels will be used? What kind of meetings or status reports should your team expect?
- Tools: Which tools will be used to complete the project, and how will they be used?
- Next steps: What are the immediate action items that need to be completed?
- Q&A: Open the floor for any questions
Further Reading:
blog post
The Chemistry Behind Every Great Project Kickoffblog post
The Right Way to Empower Your Team With Flexible Hours and Remote Workblog post
The Art of the Handoff: What Soccer’s Tiki-Taka Teaches Us About Teamworkblog post
Joelle Kaufman’s Secrets to Leading a Successful TeamThe controlling and monitoring phase
This phase happens in tandem with the execution phase. As the project moves forward, the project manager must make sure all moving parts are seamlessly headed in the right direction. If adjustments to the project plan need to be made due to unforeseen circumstances or a change in direction, they may happen here.
During the controlling and monitoring phase, project managers may have to do any of the following:
- Manage resources
- Monitor project performance
- Risk management
- Perform status meetings and reports
- Update project schedule
- Modify project plans
At the end of this phase, all the agreed project deliverables should be completed and accepted by the customer.
Further Reading:
infographic
What Is Resource Management and Why Is It Important?blog post
How to Improve the Change Management Process for 7 Key Personality Typesblog post
Stop Projects From Derailing With Wrike’s New Report Templatesebook
Resource Management GuideProject closure
The closing phase is a critical step in the project management life cycle. It signals the official end of the project and provides a period for reflection, wrap-up, and organization of materials.
Project managers can:
- Take inventory of all deliverables
- Tie up any loose ends
- Hand the project off to the client or the team that will be managing the project’s day-to-day operations
- Perform a post-mortem to discuss and document any learnings from the project
- Organize all project documents in a centralized location
- Communicate the success of the project to stakeholders and executives
- Celebrate project completion and acknowledge team members
Now that you understand each stage in the project life cycle, choosing the right project management tool for you and your team is critical to project success. Read on for best practices when choosing a tool that fits your needs, and a guide to the features you should consider when assessing a project management software.
For more information on the project lifecycle, check out our video below:
Project Management MethodologiesProject Management Software