Project Lifecycle: The Project Process

It all Starts with the Project Lifecycle

We’ll put aside Agile for the moment… In that case, all project management follows a lifecycle that we need to understand well. And that is what this eBook is all about.

It covers what the basic lifecycle is, and how the project process works for traditional, plan-driven or predictive projects (sometimes referred to as the ‘waterfall model). And we’ll take a detailed look at various key points along the lifecycle too.

We’ll also focus on one very important part of the project process. In terms of good governance, there is little more valuable than a stage gate process. There are lots of ways you can make it work, but I have no doubt that there is value in applying that process to your project.

Agile projects have their own lifecycle, of course – which differs according to which Agile methodology you choose. But even so, we’ll address Agile at some points in this eBook.

So, here are the chapters we have for you:

The Project Lifecycle and Four Essential Stages
Projects have a familiar lifecycle that gives you a framework to understand, plan, and deliver them. The four essential stages of the basic project lifecycle are: Definition, Planning, Delivery, and Closure.

Project Management Essentials: An 8-Step Template
So, you’ve been given a project to deliver, and you want to know: ‘what are the Project Management essentials?’ Don’t worry: that’s what we are here for. Let’s work our way through all of the Project Management essentials, one step at a time…

Why the Stage Gate Process will Make You a Better Project Manager
The Stage Gate Process gets too little love from Project Managers. Yet it has the potential to transform your project management, deliver more successful projects, and make you a better project manager.

What is the Project Discovery Stage?
You can think of it as either the first part of the Project Definition Stage, or as a stage before it. Either way, Project Discovery has a simple purpose: discovery.

How to Build a Robust Project Definition
Project Definition is not just the first substantial stage of your project. It is also the foundation upon which you will build your whole project. The rewards for getting your Project Definition right are matched only by the penalties of getting it wrong.

12 Project Planning Mistakes… and How to Fix Them
In this chapter, we'll survey twelve project planning mistakes. And because our job is to equip you to succeed, we'll offer you a solution for each. When you implement all these solutions, you'll have a far more robust basis for delivering a successful project. And that's what we all want.

Project Closure: Your Complete Guide to How to Close-down Your Project
Project closure is often viewed as an afterthought by Project Managers: ‘We’re done, let’s run.’ But projects can become like a dripping tap. You tighten the faucet a bit more, but it still keeps dripping. Yet one of the basics of project management is finishing well.

So…
The seven chapters (and two appendices) of this eBook contain vital information for a project manager. These are some of the most basic ideas, yet they are filled with subtlety and importance. I hope you enjoy this eBook and wish you well with your future projects.