The term project management can be defined in myriad ways, the simplest of all being, “the application of skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to a wide range of activities with the sole purpose of meeting the requirements of a particular project”. This process also involving directing and controlling a project starting from its inception to completion is divided into five basic Phases as follows:

Project Conception and Initiation

This is the very first phase and involves the process of coming up with a specific project. At this phase, an idea pertaining to a project is brought forward and further examined so as to determine whether or not it is viable and as to whether it will benefit the organization. This stage is finalized by a decision-making team identifying if the project is feasible and to whether it can realistically be completed.

Project Definition and Planning

Once a project has been deemed doable and beneficial to an organization, the next stage is to dig deeper into it in terms of putting everything down in writing including the real plan, its scope, as well as outlining work that need to be done. During this phase, the project is prioritized; a budget is calculated and scheduled devised. Everything in terms of resources needed is determined at this stage.

Project Launch/Execution

At this stage, resources’ tasks are dispensed, and teams are informed of their specific responsibilities. At this stage, all parties involved are advised to be at the liberty of airing out important information that is related to the project. Adjustments can be proposed at this stage.

Project Performance and Control/Monitoring

This stage involves comparing the project status alongside the progress of the actual plan. This is done by project managers who at this stage need to fine-tune schedules or do anything that is necessary to keep the project not just on track, but also running smoothly.

Project Close

This is a final Phase and often involves lots of evaluation. This phase is often done once the project tasks are completed, and the client (s) has/has approved the outcome. Evaluation is really important given that it gives the entire team and not just the project managers a chance to highlight the project success and also to learn from the project history.

The Process though varies though from industry to industry but regardless of the industry, the five discussed phases act as a pillar to other segments that may be integrated into it. One important thing to note is that, regardless of whether the traditional approach, or PRINCE2, or Agile or even Lean process is used, the goal will always remain the same; both projects and project management processes’ main goal is technically to offer a product, solve a problem or change a process in order to benefit the organization. As such, the whole process ought to be taken seriously and with much consideration and cooperation from all involved parties. Finally, for the good of everyone, all the involved parties must always be informed starting from the inception till completion so as to avoid confusion and incontinence along the way.…