The key steps in project development can vary depending on the type and scope of the project, but generally, the following steps are involved:
- Project initiation: This involves identifying the need for the project, defining the project goals and objectives, and assessing the feasibility of the project.
- Project planning: This involves developing a detailed project plan that outlines the scope of the project, the timeline, the budget, and the resources required. This step may also involve identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them.
- Project execution: This involves implementing the project plan, which may involve tasks such as acquiring resources, managing the project team, and monitoring progress against the project plan.
- Project monitoring and control: This involves monitoring project progress and making adjustments as necessary to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its goals.
- Project closure: This involves wrapping up the project, including completing any final tasks, conducting a final project review, and closing out the project budget.
Throughout the project development process, effective communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement are essential to ensure that the project meets its goals and is delivered on time and within budget. Regular monitoring and evaluation can also help to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the project stays on track.
5 project development phases:
- Initiation
- Planning
- Execution
- Controlling
- Closing
Initiating Stage of Project management:
The initiating stage is the first phase of project management, where the project idea or concept is identified and evaluated for feasibility and alignment with organizational goals. During this stage, the project manager works with stakeholders to define the project scope, objectives, and requirements.
The initiating stage typically involves the following activities:
- Project identification: This involves identifying a need or opportunity for a project and assessing its potential value.
- Project selection: This involves choosing the most suitable project idea among several options. The selection process should consider factors such as organizational strategy, available resources, and potential risks.
- Project charter development: A project charter is a formal document that outlines the project’s purpose, goals, scope, and stakeholders. It is developed during this stage to provide a clear direction for the project team.
- Stakeholder identification: The project manager identifies all the stakeholders involved in the project, including sponsors, customers, suppliers, and team members.
- Initial feasibility assessment: The project manager performs an initial assessment of the project’s feasibility, including technical, economic, legal, and social feasibility.
- Risk assessment: The project manager identifies potential risks associated with the project and develops a risk management plan.
- Project team selection: The project manager selects a team of individuals with the necessary skills and expertise to execute the project successfully.
The initiating stage is critical to the success of a project because it sets the direction and scope of the project. It also provides the foundation for subsequent project planning and execution stages.
Planning Stage Of Project Management:
The planning stage is the second phase of project management and is critical to the success of the project. During this stage, the project manager works with the project team to develop a comprehensive project plan that outlines the project scope, objectives, schedule, budget, and resource requirements.
The planning stage typically involves the following activities:
- Define project scope: The project manager works with stakeholders to define the project scope, including the deliverables, requirements, and constraints.
- Develop a project schedule: The project manager creates a timeline that outlines the project’s start and end dates, milestones, and deadlines.
- Create a budget: The project manager estimates the costs associated with the project, including labor, materials, equipment, and other expenses.
- Identify and manage risks: The project manager identifies potential risks and develops a risk management plan to mitigate them.
- Develop a communication plan: The project manager establishes a communication plan that outlines how information will be shared among team members, stakeholders, and other parties involved in the project.
- Develop a resource plan: The project manager identifies the resources required to complete the project, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
- Develop a quality management plan: The project manager defines the quality standards and procedures that will be used to ensure that the project deliverables meet the expected quality level.
- Develop a procurement plan: The project manager identifies the goods and services that need to be procured for the project and develops a procurement plan to acquire them.
The planning stage is critical to the success of the project because it provides a roadmap for the project team to follow. A comprehensive project plan helps to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the expected quality standards.
Execution stage of project management
The execution stage is the third phase of project management, where the project plan is put into action. During this stage, the project team implements the tasks outlined in the project plan, and the project manager monitors progress to ensure that the project is on track.
The execution stage typically involves the following activities:
- Implement the project plan: The project team executes the tasks outlined in the project plan, following the established timelines and quality standards.
- Manage project resources: The project manager manages the project resources, ensuring that personnel, equipment, and materials are available when needed.
- Monitor and control project progress: The project manager monitors progress and adjusts the project plan as necessary to ensure that the project remains on track.
- Manage project stakeholders: The project manager communicates with stakeholders and manages their expectations throughout the project.
- Perform quality assurance: The project team performs quality assurance activities to ensure that the project deliverables meet the expected quality standards.
- Manage project risks: The project manager monitors project risks and implements the risk management plan as needed.
- Manage project changes: The project manager evaluates and approves any changes to the project plan to ensure that they align with project goals and do not compromise project success.
The execution stage is critical to the success of the project because it is where the project plan is implemented. The project manager must effectively manage resources, monitor progress, and manage stakeholders to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the expected quality standards.
Control stage of Project Management:
The control stage is the fourth phase of project management, where the project manager monitors and controls the project’s progress, performance, and quality. During this stage, the project manager ensures that the project is on track and takes corrective actions when necessary to keep the project moving towards its goals.
The control stage typically involves the following activities:
- Monitor project progress: The project manager tracks the project’s progress against the established timeline and milestones to ensure that the project is on schedule.
- Monitor project costs: The project manager tracks project costs against the established budget to ensure that the project is within budget.
- Monitor project quality: The project manager monitors the quality of the project deliverables to ensure that they meet the expected quality standards.
- Manage project changes: The project manager evaluates any proposed changes to the project plan and approves or rejects them based on their impact on the project’s goals.
- Manage project risks: The project manager monitors project risks and implements the risk management plan to mitigate any potential risks.
- Manage project issues: The project manager addresses any issues that arise during the project and takes corrective actions to keep the project on track.
- Communicate project status: The project manager communicates the project’s status to stakeholders and provides regular updates on project progress, performance, and quality.
The control stage is critical to the success of the project because it ensures that the project remains on track and meets its goals. The project manager must effectively monitor progress, performance, and quality and take corrective actions when necessary to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and meets the expected quality standards.
Closing Stage Of Project Management:
The closing stage is the final phase of project management, where the project is completed, and the project manager finalizes all project activities. During this stage, the project manager ensures that all project deliverables have been completed, and the project has achieved its goals.
The closing stage typically involves the following activities:
- Confirm project completion: The project manager confirms that all project deliverables have been completed and that the project has achieved its goals.
- Obtain formal acceptance: The project manager obtains formal acceptance from the stakeholders that the project has met the requirements and is complete.
- Close contracts: The project manager closes out all contracts related to the project, including vendor contracts and employment contracts.
- Release project resources: The project manager releases all project resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
- Conduct post-project review: The project manager conducts a post-project review to evaluate the project’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and document lessons learned.
- Archive project documents: The project manager archives all project documents, including the project plan, contracts, and other project-related documents.
- Celebrate project success: The project manager celebrates the success of the project with the project team and stakeholders.
The closing stage is critical to the success of the project because it ensures that all project activities are completed, and the project is closed out properly. The project manager must ensure that all project deliverables are complete and that the project has met its goals before obtaining formal acceptance from the stakeholders. By conducting a post-project review, the project manager can document lessons learned and identify areas for improvement to enhance the success of future projects.
