Project life cycle phases and activities

The project life cycle is the series of phases a project passes through from conception to closure. Each phase has its own activities and ends with a review (gate), where a decision is taken before the next phase begins. The common four-phase model is:

 Initiation -> Planning -> Implementation -> Termination
 (Concept)    (Definition)  (Execution)       (Closure)

 Effort
   ^        ___
   |      /    \___
   |   __/         \__
   |__/               \___
   +--------------------------> Time

Activities in each phase

Initiation (concept):

• Identify the need or problem and collect basic data.
• Generate and screen project ideas; select the best option.
• Carry out pre-feasibility and feasibility studies (technical, economic, financial, environmental, social).
• Define objectives, scope and main deliverables.
• Estimate preliminary cost, time and resources.
• Identify stakeholders and the funding source.
• Prepare the project proposal or concept note and take the go or no-go decision.
• Appoint the project manager and form the core team.

Planning (definition):

• Detailed survey and design; prepare drawings and specifications.
• Prepare the work breakdown structure (WBS), schedule (bar chart, CPM, PERT) and budget.
• Plan resources, quality, communication and risk.
• Prepare tender documents, evaluate bids and sign contracts.
• Obtain approvals, permits and land.

Implementation (execution): mobilisation, procurement, construction, monitoring of time, cost and quality, quality testing, payments and reporting.

Termination (closure): final inspection, commissioning, handover with as-built drawings, final payment, demobilisation, completion report and lessons learned.

Example: for a bridge, initiation covers the traffic study and feasibility; planning covers design, estimate and tender; implementation covers the foundation, piers, deck and approach roads; termination covers the load test, handover and final bill.