Project Management Life Cycle
The Project Management Life Cycle (PMLC) is a framework that describes the phases a project goes through from its initiation to its closure. The PMLC model is widely used to ensure a systematic and organized approach to project management. There are different variations of PMLC models, but most include the following four or five phases:
Initiation: This phase is where the project idea is developed, and a project charter is created. The project charter includes the project’s scope, objectives, stakeholders, and business case.
Planning: In this phase, a project plan is developed, which includes detailed timelines, resource allocation, and risk management plans. The project plan is used to guide the project team throughout the project.
Execution: During this phase, the project team carries out the activities as outlined in the project plan. This includes implementing the project’s scope, monitoring progress, and controlling project risks.
Monitoring and Controlling: In this phase, the project team monitors and controls the project’s progress and performance. This includes tracking project performance, identifying and resolving issues, and adjusting the project plan.
Closure: This is the final phase of the PMLC, where the project is completed, and the deliverables are handed over to the stakeholders. The project team also conducts a project evaluation and creates a project closure report.
It's worth mentioning that some models include a sixth phase, called Implementation, that comes after execution, and it means the transfer of the project deliverables to the end-users. It's the responsibility of the Operations or the Support teams.
In summary, the PMLC is a framework that describes the phases a project goes through, from its initiation to its closure. It includes phases such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure. By following a PMLC model, project managers can ensure a systematic and organized approach to managing projects, helping them to meet their goals and achieve their objectives.