Lecture Notes: Typical Project Phases

Lecturer: Devon Dean, Content Director at ProjectManager.com
Topic: Typical Project Phases

Introduction

• Discussion on the four basic phases of every project:
  1. Initiation
  2. Planning
  3. Execution
  4. Closing
• Aim to show relationships and expected activity levels in each phase.

1. Initiation Phase

• Objective: Prepare groundwork for the project.
• Activities:
  • Develop business case and feasibility study.
  • Convince stakeholders of the Return on Investment (ROI).
  • Assemble ideas, outline budget, and identify skills needed.

2. Planning Phase

• Objective: Detailed project planning after approval.
• Activities:
  • Create project schedule, resource plan, and cash flow.
  • Firm up the budget and identify skills needed.
  • Assemble project team and prepare statements of work.

3. Execution Phase

• Objective: Implement project activities.
• Activities:
  • Perform risk, issue, and change management.
  • Manage communications and integration with stakeholders.
  • Control processes and ensure quality of deliverables.

4. Closing Phase

• Objective: Finalize the project.
• Activities:
  • Package deliverables and cancel vendor contracts.
  • Gain acceptance of deliverables.

Sub-Phases in Project Phases

• Example Phases: Design and Implementation.
  • Design Phase:
    • Initiation: Create high-level design documents.
    • Planning: Detail architecture and systems.
    • Execution: Draft functional specifications and control activities.
    • Closing: Gain acceptance of design specs.
  • Implementation Phase:
    • Initiation: Kickoff meeting with project team.
    • Planning: Develop task list and assign accountability.
    • Execution: Complete tasks and monitor progress.
    • Closing: Conduct acceptance testing and handover.

Activity Levels Across Phases

• Initiation & Planning:
  • Gradual ramp-up in activity, peak, and then trail off.
  • Includes feasibility studies and business case preparation.
• Execution:
  • Largest activity phase involving ramping up team and completing tasks.
• Closing:
  • Finalize deliverables and confirm acceptance criteria.

Conclusion

• Phases can have sub-phases such as design and implementation.
• Activity levels vary, helping to prepare time allocation for project teams.

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