Common Project Stages in Its Life Cycle

The beginning and end of a project is determined in a project life cycle. A project life cycle has number of phases each of which is marked by completion of one or more deliverables.  A tangible and verifiable work product serves as a deliverable for example a working prototype.

Three common project stages include Establish, Execute and Complete. Details are given below:

1.  Establish a Project:

In this stage, objectives of a project are defined including scope and approach that will be utilised. In addition, project team is mobilised. Two sub-processes involved in establishing a project are project selection and confirm definition.

Project Selection:

This sub-process includes the steps to define project scope, objectives, approach, business case and selecting the best projects.

Confirm Definition:

This sub-process includes the steps to understand expectations of project sponsor, understand project scope and objectives, confirm any assumptions and identify risks involved in the project.

2. Execute a Project:

In this stage, work plan is executed to get the desired results. Four sub-processes involved in executing a project are to plan the execution, organise resources, control the work and report status. These sub-processes run in a cycle.

Plan the Execution:

This sub-process includes the steps to define project deliverables, developing work plans, scope, change control, issue management, sign-off processes, risk mitigation plan and quality plan.

Organise Resources:

This sub-process includes the steps to identify the roles and responsibilities of the project team. Then tasks according to the work plan are assigned to team members and training is provided to them. Responsibilities, target dates and deliverables are to be communicated properly and physical resources are organised.

Control the Work:

This sub-process includes monitoring the work progress and resolving any issues that come across. Performance is measured at this stage.

Report Status:

This sub-process includes assessing the progress made in the project and status reports are created. The progress is communicated to the relevant stakeholders and it is to make sure by the project manager that all the issues that result from the status update meeting should be followed up.

3. Complete a Project:

In this stage, any development or administrative activities that are left need to be completed. A sign-off is taken regarding the final project deliverables and if appropriate, maintenance team is transited.

The overall stages of a project are depicted in the figure below:

                                                                         Stages in a Project: