Initiation

During the conceptualization phase, the project manager works wit hteh project sponsor to further define and document the key project requirements. During this phase, we think through the parameters of the quadruple constraint, then create estimates for what (and who) is needed to complete the project. This is documented in the project charter, including approvals from the key decision-makers."

Activities During the Initiation Phase

The following activities should occur during the initiation phase: 

• Gather data                
• Analyze needs and risks                
• Set goals and objectives                
• Get approvals                
• Formulate business case                
• Determine strategic fit                
• Draft scope and schedule                
• Create project charter                
• Estimate budget

Planning and Development

Project planning builds on the work done in project initiation, refining and augmenting the key project parameters and project plan deliverables. Usually, additional members join the project team, and they assist the project manager in further elaborating the details and requirements of the effort.

Activities During the Planning Phase

During the planning phase, the following activities should occur:                        

• Establish baseline schedule and budget                
• Perform risk analysis                
• Obtain go/no-go and approvals from decision makers           
• Build project team                
• Plan deliverables                
• Define project quality parameters               
• Finalize scope                
• Communicate with customers and stakeholders

Execution 

Project execution and control is where most of the resources are applied/expended on the project. This phase usually starts with a kickoff meeting (a meeting of various stakeholders of the project), which marks the official beginning of the project. The early stages of this phase will see a significant increase in the number of team members. It is the job of the project manager to enable the project team to execute the tasks of the project on time and within budget.

Activities During the Execution Phase

The following activities occur during the execution phase:                        

• Hold kickoff meeting                
• Motivate project team           
• Forecast project expenditures and delivery date               
• Resolve issues and conflicts                
• Provide key deliverables                
• Monitor and control                
• Evaluate quality, time, cost, and risk management                
• Change scope (if necessary)               
• Control progress report                
• Communicate with customers and stakeholders

Closeout and Finish

Project closeout involves assessing the project outcome as well as the project team's performance. Effective assessment requires gaining feedback from customers, project team members, consumers, and other stakeholders. Many times, a formal project critique (or post-mortem) is organized by the project implementation team. A project critique critically analyzes the shortcomings of the project execution, how these shortcomings could have been overcome, lessons learned, and so on. Usually, all the direct stakeholders of the project are involved in the project critique.

Activities During the Exit Phase

Following are activities that occur during the exit phase:                        

• Finalize project       
• Train customers           
• Reassign project team to new activities or projects                
• Report to customer               
• Contract closeout                
• Solicit team feedback                
• Document lessons learned                
• Perform project critique                
• Archive documents