Project phases
Project phases are the steps in which projects are developed. The set of phases in which some projects are carried out is known as the Project life cycle. Moreover, phases allow for increased control over the project and how is running. Therefore, projects are divided into small more manageable pieces, that are developed in phases. Furthermore, each phase is managed considering that has a beginning and end, delivers a specific product, and most importantly is done in a pre-defined sequence.
Most of the time, at the end of the phase, the team reviews the deliverable to see if is according to requirements and can go to the next phase. During the review, the team sees if anything can and should improved for the next phase. This will help the team to improve performance as well as the project manager to plan the next phase.
The end of a phase has also another important role. This is because, at this stage is possible to evaluate the project justification and viability. Consequently, this will give a chance to the stakeholders to decide if the project should continue or if is no longer necessary.
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Project management process groups and project phases
Process groups are a logical aggregation of processes according to their purpose. Many project management standards define project management processes. The most common groups are initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
Different projects used different varieties of phases. So, it is important to understand how process groups are different from phases. Let’s start by seeing each process group in detail.
Initiation
Initiation is the first process of the processes group. During this process, the sponsor authorizes the project to start. It also made the Stakeholders identification and the assignment of the project manager. Finally, is this phase that the project charter is made and distributed.
Planning
At the beginning of the planning process group, the project manager and the team define the project objectives. Then, when the planning stage is running the project manager and the team refine the project objectives. At the end of this process group the project manager with the team, should have the project management plan prepared. This plan contains the project’s baselines, like the scope, schedule, and cost baselines. Moreover, the rules on how the project will be managed will also be added to this plan. In other words, The project manager will add to the plan the procedures, techniques, metrics, templates, roles, and responsibilities. Before concluding the planning phase the project manager must do a risk analysis and identify response strategies to each identified risk.
Execution
At this stage, the project manager executes the management plans. He must direct and conduct the work necessary to develop the deliverables and finish the project successfully. The project manager also needs to solve issues and implement responses to risks. Finally, in this group, project quality is verified and guaranteed.
Monitoring and Controlling
One of the most important jobs of project management is to keep the actual performance aligned with planned performance. This is verified and correct at the monitoring and controlling process group. After collecting the performance information on how the project is performing, the project manager determines the actual performance. With that information, he can compare the actual with the planned and analyze deviations, determining corrective actions, if necessary. Finally, the project manager performs change management activities to guarantee project alignment and will meet the anticipated results.
Closing
The last process group is closing. In this process group, the project or phase is closed in a controlled way. In other words, the team compares the product with the acceptance criteria to see if fulfills all indicators, and if the formal acceptance can be secure. Moreover, the team transfers the product to operations as well as the issues, risks, and documentation. This will guarantee a long life for the product’s performance. Additionally, the project manager prepares a report regarding the closing process group. Finally, the team produced final lessons and archived them. The last step in this process and the project is to release all resources