Project Life Cycle Flashcards
What is the definition of a project lifecycle -2 points
A life cycle defines
- the inter-related phases of a project, programme or portfolio
- provides a structure for governing the progression of the work
what is the definition of a project
“unique, transient endeavour undertaken to achieve planned objectives”.
What does a lifecycle illustrate
A life cycle illustrates the distinct phases that take an idea, develop it into detailed objectives and then deliver these agreed objectives.
What are the 4 types of lifecycle
- Linear / Linear sequential or Waterfall
- Parallel
- Spiral
- V shaped
What is the description of a Linear / Linear sequential or Waterfall lifecycle
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
What is the description of a Parallel lifecycle
Similar to the linear or Waterfall model, but the phases are carried out in parallel to increase the pace of delivery
What is the description of a Spiral lifecycle
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)
What is the description of a ‘V’ lifecycle
Applied where requirements are defined and the development tools are well known
What are the 5 phases of the project lifecycle
- Concept
- Definition
- Development/Delivery
- Handover
- Closure
Describe what happens during the Concept phase
- 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:
- Is the project likely to be viable?
- Is it definitely worth investing in the definition phase?
What are the 8 actions included in the concept phase
- Customer consultation
- Needs and requirements identification and definition
- Stakeholder analysis
- Identification of benefits
- Production of approved need statement
- Options study
- Preferred option selection
- The creation of the outline business case
Describe what happens during the definition phase
- 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.
What are the 6 actions included in the Definition phase
- High level design of chosen option
- Refined estimates of timescales and costs
- Risks identification and assessment
- Identification of required resources
- Project team formation
- The creation of the PMP and detailed business case
Describe what happens during the Development phase
- 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.
What are the 7 actions included in the Development phase
- Execution of plans
- Expediting
- Monitoring
- Reporting
- Change control
- Leadership
- Conflict management
Describe what happens during the Hanover and closure phase
The project outputs are handed over and accepted by the sponsor on behalf the users
What are the 8 actions included in the Handover and closure phase
- Test
- Commissioning
- Acceptance of deliverables by users
- Training of users
- Handover of deliverables
- Review
- Disbanding of team
- Dissemination of lessons learned
Describe what happens during the Benefits realisation phase
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.
What are the 4 actions included in the Benefits realisation phase
- Implement the benefits realisation plan
- Conduct benefits realisation reviews
- Life extension and value adding initiatives
- Lessons learned initiatives
What additional 2 phases are included in the Extended Project Life Cycle and Product Life Cycle
- Operations
2. Termination
Describe what happens during the Operations phase
- The project deliverables are utilised with possible on-going support and maintenance being provided
- Formal review of the realised benefits undertaken
What are the 6 actions included in the Operations phase
- Operation
- Maintenance
- Benefits realisation
- Post-investment reviews
- Life extension initiatives
- Lessons learned initiatives
Describe what happens during the Termination phase
Project assets are disposed of in an appropriate manner
What are the 4 actions included in the Operations phase
- Disposal
- Environmental assessments
- Disbanding of operational team
- Lessons learned
What are the 5 benefits of a formal project lifecycle
- Improved decision-making and control
- More focus on the early life cycle phases
- More effective planning
- The life cycle will form the basis of the project management method
- Improved stakeholder communication and understanding
Describe the 2 main benefits derived from Improved decision-making and control
- Each phase/stage of the project will have clearly defined deliverables and activities.
- Formal gate-reviews will help stakeholders make informed decisions relating to time, cost, performance and other expectations
Describe the 2 main benefits derived from More focus on the early life cycle phases:
- 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.
- These outputs can then be used throughout the project to maintain focus and control.
Describe the 2 main benefits derived from More effective planning
- 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.
- A rolling-wave approach to planning can also be facilitated through the adoption of a phased approach.
Describe the 2 main benefits derived from The life cycle will form the basis of the project management method
- 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.
- This consistent approach will allow more effective stakeholder communications as well as increasing the likelihood of more effective handover of deliverables between stages.
Describe the 3 main benefits derived from Improved stakeholder communication and understanding
- A consistent life cycle approach will help stakeholders understand what has been delivered so far and what work is outstanding.
- Consistent reporting of project status will improve communication allowing more effective decisions.
- 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.
