Project Life Cycle

Question 1

What is the definition of a project lifecycle -2 points

Answer 1

A life cycle defines

• the inter-related phases of a project, programme or portfolio
• provides a structure for governing the progression of the work

Question 2

what is the definition of a project

Answer 2

“unique, transient endeavour undertaken to achieve planned objectives”.

Question 3

What does a lifecycle illustrate

Answer 3

A life cycle illustrates the distinct phases that take an idea, develop it into detailed objectives and then deliver these agreed objectives.

Question 4

What are the 4 types of lifecycle

Answer 4

1. Linear / Linear sequential or Waterfall
2. Parallel
3. Spiral
4. V shaped

Question 5

What is the description of a Linear / Linear sequential or Waterfall lifecycle

Answer 5

a sequential design process in which progress is seen as flowing steadily downwards (like a waterfall) through the phases of Concept, Initiate, Analysis, Design, Construct, Test, Production/Implementation, and Maintenance

Question 6

What is the description of a Parallel lifecycle

Answer 6

Similar to the linear or Waterfall model, but the phases are carried out in parallel to increase the pace of delivery

Question 7

What is the description of a Spiral lifecycle

Answer 7

Often employed where many options, requirements and constraints are unknown at the start – typical in a research environment.
The basic idea is to develop a system through repeated cycles (iterative) and in smaller portions at a time (incremental)

Question 8

What is the description of a ‘V’ lifecycle

Answer 8

Applied where requirements are defined and the development tools are well known

Question 9

What are the 5 phases of the project lifecycle

Answer 9

1. Concept
2. Definition
3. Development/Delivery
4. Handover
5. Closure

Question 10

Describe what happens during the Concept phase

Answer 10

• Initial idea developed and outline business case or project brief and schedule created.
• A sponsor is appointed and where appropriate a project manager.

Sufficient analysis must be done to enable two key decisions:

1. Is the project likely to be viable?
2. Is it definitely worth investing in the definition phase?

Question 11

What are the 8 actions included in the concept phase

Answer 11

1. Customer consultation
2. Needs and requirements identification and definition
3. Stakeholder analysis
4. Identification of benefits
5. Production of approved need statement
6. Options study
7. Preferred option selection
8. The creation of the outline business case

Question 12

Describe what happens during the definition phase

Answer 12

• The preferred solution is identified and refined
• detailed plan(s) (PMP), business case for the project are created.
• These need to be approved by the project sponsor before progressing to the next phase.

Question 13

What are the 6 actions included in the Definition phase

Answer 13

1. High level design of chosen option
2. Refined estimates of timescales and costs
3. Risks identification and assessment
4. Identification of required resources
5. Project team formation
6. The creation of the PMP and detailed business case

Question 14

Describe what happens during the Development phase

Answer 14

• The project management plan is put into action.
• This phase may be broken down into further stages at the end of which the continued viability of the project can be reviewed.

Question 15

What are the 7 actions included in the Development phase

Answer 15

1. Execution of plans
2. Expediting
3. Monitoring
4. Reporting
5. Change control
6. Leadership
7. Conflict management

Question 16

Describe what happens during the Hanover and closure phase

Answer 16

The project outputs are handed over and accepted by the sponsor on behalf the users

Question 17

What are the 8 actions included in the Handover and closure phase

Answer 17

1. Test
2. Commissioning
3. Acceptance of deliverables by users
4. Training of users
5. Handover of deliverables
6. Review
7. Disbanding of team
8. Dissemination of lessons learned

Question 18

Describe what happens during the Benefits realisation phase

Answer 18

Where appropriate, a project may include a benefits realisation phase. This will depend to a large extent whether the project is delivered internally to the organisation or to an external client.

Question 19

What are the 4 actions included in the Benefits realisation phase

Answer 19

1. Implement the benefits realisation plan
2. Conduct benefits realisation reviews
3. Life extension and value adding initiatives
4. Lessons learned initiatives

Question 20

What additional 2 phases are included in the Extended Project Life Cycle and Product Life Cycle

Answer 20

1. Operations

2. Termination

Question 21

Describe what happens during the Operations phase

Answer 21

1. The project deliverables are utilised with possible on-going support and maintenance being provided
2. Formal review of the realised benefits undertaken

Question 22

What are the 6 actions included in the Operations phase

Answer 22

1. Operation
2. Maintenance
3. Benefits realisation
4. Post-investment reviews
5. Life extension initiatives
6. Lessons learned initiatives

Question 23

Describe what happens during the Termination phase

Answer 23

Project assets are disposed of in an appropriate manner

Question 24

What are the 4 actions included in the Operations phase

Answer 24

1. Disposal
2. Environmental assessments
3. Disbanding of operational team
4. Lessons learned

Question 25

What are the 5 benefits of a formal project lifecycle

Answer 25

1. Improved decision-making and control
2. More focus on the early life cycle phases
3. More effective planning
4. The life cycle will form the basis of the project management method
5. Improved stakeholder communication and understanding

Question 26

Describe the 2 main benefits derived from Improved decision-making and control

Answer 26

1. Each phase/stage of the project will have clearly defined deliverables and activities.
2. Formal gate-reviews will help stakeholders make informed decisions relating to time, cost, performance and other expectations

Question 27

Describe the 2 main benefits derived from More focus on the early life cycle phases:

Answer 27

1. The life cycle should help the organisation better govern their projects through the creation and approval of the project’s Business Case and Project Management Plan.
2. These outputs can then be used throughout the project to maintain focus and control.

Question 28

Describe the 2 main benefits derived from More effective planning

Answer 28

1. Each phase of the project will require different resources and skill sets. Both resource and financial planning will be greatly enhanced through the use of a formal life cycle.
2. A rolling-wave approach to planning can also be facilitated through the adoption of a phased approach.

Question 29

Describe the 2 main benefits derived from The life cycle will form the basis of the project management method

Answer 29

1. Having a defined set of tools/templates, outputs and roles and responsibilities for each stage of the project will form the basis of the organisation’s project method.
2. This consistent approach will allow more effective stakeholder communications as well as increasing the likelihood of more effective handover of deliverables between stages.

Question 30

Describe the 3 main benefits derived from Improved stakeholder communication and understanding

Answer 30

1. A consistent life cycle approach will help stakeholders understand what has been delivered so far and what work is outstanding.
2. Consistent reporting of project status will improve communication allowing more effective decisions.
3. The end of each phase or stage is likely to be marked with a key milestone and these can then be used to communicate progress to interested parties.