The Five Key Phases of Project Planning – Many of us struggle to complete projects and tasks in a given timeframe. To try make these set targets more attainable and less daunting the following Five Key Phases have been identified.
Initiation is the First Phase. Here a High Level Project Plan needs to be defined with consideration given to the resources required to deliver the project, the risks involved when completing the project and for not taking action. It is essential to check the requirements for the project to be approved and an initial risk assessment to be taken, remember to embrace change when it is required.
The Second Phase is Planning. During this phase it is important to refine the scope of the project and establish the specific objectives, key milestones and goals you wish to achieve within the project.
Execution is the Third Phase and requires that logical focused simple steps are identified and followed to allow individuals to be accountable and take ownership of their assigned tasks.
The Fourth Phase is Monitoring. This phase allows us to Track progression, review the risk assessments and mitigating actions, ensure milestones are met, and make changes as and when required.
The Fifth and final Phase is Closure. This is where it is important to review the original Project Plan and its associated actions, ensure that these have been completed and are effective. In this phase it is important to consider what changes could be made to ensure that the project outcome is better or more successful next time. During Closer it is important to review feedback from the project team and ensure adequate closure of the project.