The concept of “project” is wide-ranging and includes everything from creating a marketing strategy for a small business to building a bridge.
Although apparently these two projects could not be more different, the underlying framework is the same. In fact, project management provides a four-phase process to ensure that any kind of project is completed successfully.
1.- Start/Initiation of the Project Life Cycle
This is the first phase of a project, where a business need is identified. As part of the initiation process, the original problem is evaluated and framed to determine the right approach to solve it. The first part of the project life cycle also includes estimates of times and resources. Sometimes a statement of work is crafted in order to move into the next phase.
2.- Organizing and Planning
Once the problem has been framed and the general approach agreed upon, project managers break down the larger project into smaller tasks. Then they proceed to develop of a plan that specifies the desired results. In this case, outputs may include budgets, workflow charts and a project plan that establishes a timeline for the project.
3.- Implementing the Work
Also known as the execution phase, this is the moment when all the plans formulated in the previous phases are carried out. This phase also involves monitoring and controlling performance to manage timelines and ensure adherence to the plan. Furthermore, regular project updates are provided to stakeholders, including managers and clients.
4.- Closing the Project and Ending the Project Life Cycle
Upon completion of the project, the final deliverables are provided, and customer approval is obtained. The success of the project is evaluated and the team determinea what recommendations and lessons to draw from the project. Finally, financial accounts are closed and team members are assigned to new projects.
The process outlined here can take anywhere from a few days to some months. The specific duration depends on the complexity of the project at hand. The four-phase approach is applied across many industries to projects of varying scale and purpose.
From HVAC to pipeline design, our experts at Darnell Technical Services have the knowledge and the drive to help your company bring any project to completion.
Contact us today by telephone ((714) 285-0082, (702) 945-2899) or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more about our project management capabilities and all the technical instruments we put at your disposal.
