{"id":4550,"date":"2015-12-02T11:41:52","date_gmt":"2015-12-02T11:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/smarterbusinessprocesses.com\/?p=4550"},"modified":"2015-12-02T11:41:52","modified_gmt":"2015-12-02T11:41:52","slug":"demystifying-the-5-phases-of-project-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smarterbusinessprocesses.com\/demystifying-the-5-phases-of-project-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Demystifying the 5 Phases of Project Management","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

By Emily Esposito<\/p>\n

At the root of any successful project is a project manager (PM) worth his or her weight in gold. While some people think a project manager\u2019s sole job is to remind everyone about deadlines and set up status meeting, that\u2019s simply not the case.<\/p>\n

There is a science to what they do – they have a deep understanding of and can perfectly execute the five phases of project management. In this article, we\u2019ll cover what each of these phases entail and share tips for boosting success during each stage.<\/p>\n

5 Phases of Project Management<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to PMI, \u201cproject management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to meet the requirements of a particular project.\u201d<\/p>\n

Phase 1: Project Initiation<\/h2>\n

This is the start of the project, and the goal of this phase is to define the project at a broad level. This phase usually begins with a business case. This is when you will research whether the project is feasible and if it should be undertaken. If feasibility testing needs to be done, this is the stage of the project in which that will be completed.<\/p>\n

Important stakeholders will do their due diligence to help decide if the project is a \u201cgo.\u201d If it is given the green light, you will need to create a project charter or a project initiation document (PID) that outlines the purpose and requirements of the project. It should include business needs, stakeholders, and the business case. Note: There are plenty of PID templates that adhere to PMBOK guidelines available online that you can download to help you get started.<\/p>\n

Tip:<\/strong> When creating a PID, don\u2019t get too bogged down in technical requirements. Those will be clarified and clearly defined in Phase 2.<\/em><\/p>\n

Phase 2: Project Planning<\/h2>\n

This phase is key to successful project management and focuses on developing a roadmap that everyone will follow. This phase typically begins with setting goals. Two of the more popular methods for setting goals are S.M.A.R.T. and CLEAR:<\/p>\n

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S.M.A.R.T. Goals<\/strong> \u2013 This method helps ensure that the goals have been thoroughly vetted. It also provides a way to clearly understand the implications of the goal-setting process.<\/p>\n

S<\/strong>pecific \u2013 To set specific goals, answer the following questions: who, what, where, when, which, and why.
\nM<\/strong>easurable \u2013 Create criteria that you can use to measure the success of a goal.
\nA<\/strong>ttainable \u2013 Identify the most important goals and what it will take to achieve them.
\nR<\/strong>ealistic \u2013 You should be willing and able to work toward a particular goal.
\nT<\/strong>imely \u2013 Create a timeframe to achieve the goal.<\/p>\n

For more information about S.M.A.R.T. goals and to download free S.M.A.R.T. goal\u00a0templates, read “The Essential Guide to Writing S.M.A.R.T. Goals<\/a>.”<\/p>\n

C.L.E.A.R. Goals<\/strong> \u2013 A newer method for setting goals that takes into consideration the environment of today\u2019s fast-paced businesses.<\/p>\n

C<\/strong>ollaborative \u2013 The goal should encourage employees to work together.
\nL<\/strong>imited \u2013 They should be limited in scope and time to keep it manageable.
\nE<\/strong>motional \u2013 Goals should tap into the passion of employees and be something they can form an emotional connection to. This can optimize the quality of work.
\nA<\/strong>ppreciable \u2013 Break larger goals into smaller tasks that can be quickly achieved.
\nR<\/strong>efinable \u2013 As new situations arise, be flexible and refine goals as needed.<\/p>\n

During this phase, the scope of the project is defined and a project management plan is developed. It involves identifying the cost, quality, available resources, and a realistic timetable. The project plans also includes establishing baselines or performance measures. These are generated using the scope, schedule and cost of a project. A baseline is essential to determine if a project is on track.<\/p>\n

At this time, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, so everyone involved knows what they are accountable for. Here are some of the documents a PM will create during this phase to ensure the project will stay on track:<\/p>\n