The lifecycle of IT Projects has four phases with a different type of activity predominant in each phase (i.e. initiating activities are predominant in the Initiating Phase, etc.). However, while phase-related activities peak in terms of effort during a specific phase, activities of this type can also be executed during neighbouring phase(s) (e.g. planning activities are also repeated in the Executing Phase).
A project moves on to the next phase when the goals of its current phase have been deemed achieved as the result of a phase-exit review.
Initiating
- Define the desired outcomes
- Create a Business Case
- Define the project scope
- Get the project off to a good start.
Planning
- Assign the Project Core Team
- Elaborate the project scope
- Plan the work
Executing
- Coordinate the execution of the project plans
- Produce deliverables
Closing
- Coordinate formal acceptance of the project
- Report on project performance
- Capture lessons learned and recommendations
- Close the project administratively
Monitoring
This is a transversal activity that happens throughout the whole project:
- Monitor project activities and overall performance
- Track project performance to facilitate reporting and controlling
- Implement corrective actions to address risks or issues