The project life cycle An introduction to the life of a project: The project life cycle model describes the different phases that a project normally passes through as it progresses to conclusion. The model is based on the idea that, although all projects are different, they all progress through similar phases. Each phase completes a stage of the project. For example, the first phase is called project definition and it is completed when the project has been thoroughly defined and the project brief has been written and agreed. The idea of a life cycle suggests that the project has a life. This implies a sequence of phases, including birth, growth, maturity, ageing and death.
Today, there is no agreement among industries, or even companies within the same industry, about the life-cycle phases of a project. This is understandable because of the complex nature and diversity of projects.
Definitions: PROJECT PHASES (as ICB) A PROJECT PHASE is a discrete time period of the project sequence, which is clearly separate from other periods. A project phase includes both major project deliverables and decisions which are the basis for the next phase. Phases have defined objectives and may have specified time limits. Different phase models may be used for different kinds of (sub) projects which increases the complexity of their coordination .Milestones can be used to work towards specific targets or phase limits or intervals in between.
Project Phases (as PMBOK) Project phases are divisions within a project where extra control is needed to effectively manage the Completion of a major deliverable. Project phases are typically completed sequentially, but can overlap in some Project situations. The high level nature of project phases makes them an element of the project life cycle. A project phase is not a Project Management Process Group. The phase structure allows the project to be segmented into logical subsets for ease of management, Planning and control. The number of phases, the need for phases, and the degree of control applied depend on the size, complexity, and potential impact of the project. Regardless of the number of phases comprising a Project, all phases have similar characteristics.
Milestones & Milestones List: A milestone is a significant point or event in the project. A milestone list identifies all milestones and indicates whether the milestone is mandatory, such as those required by contract, or optional, Such as those based upon historical information.
Project life cycle/Phases:
In the next figure there are five phases:
The theoretical definitions of the life-cycle phases of a system can be applied to a project. The phases include: -Conceptual -Planning -Testing -Implementation -Closure 2