Page 15 - DMGT521_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Project Management

Notes 1.8 Phases of Project Management

Dividing a project into phases makes it possible to lead it in the best possible direction. Through
this organisation into phases, the total work load of a project is divided into smaller Components,
thus making it easier to monitor. The following paragraphs describe a phasing model that has
been useful in practice. It includes six phases:
1.8.1 Initiation Phase

The initiation phase is the beginning of the project. In this phase, the idea for the project is
explored and elaborated. The goal of this phase is to examine the feasibility of the project. In
addition, decisions are made concerning who is to carry out the project, which party (or parties)
will be involved and whether the project has an adequate base of support among those who are
involved.
In this phase, the current or prospective project leader writes a proposal, which contains a
description of the above-mentioned matters. Examples of this type of project proposal include
business plans and grant applications. The prospective sponsors of the project evaluate the
proposal and, upon approval, provide the necessary financing. The project officially begins at
the time of approval.
Questions to be answered in the initiation phase include the following:
(a) Why this project?

(b) Is it feasible?

Figure 1.1: Project Management in Six Phases, with the Central Theme of Each Phase

Initiation phase: Idea

Definition phase: What?

Design phase: How?

Development phase: How to implement?

Implementation phase: Implementation

Follow-up phase: maintenance

(c) Who are possible partners in this project?
(d) What should the results be?
(e) What are the boundaries of this project (what is outside the scope of the project)?

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