The different phases of a waterfall project
The project lifecycle is the sequence of phases a predictive project goes from start to completion.
In the Initiation phase, the scope is discussed and a list of deliverables are agreed between the sponsor and the project manager. The main documents are the Business Case and the Stakeholder Register. Ideally the team is built at this moment. This phase finishes with a kick-off meeting when the stakeholders are officially informed about the project and the delegation of power to the Project Manager is formalized by signing the Project Charter, a document that summarizes the project objectives, scope, deliverables and constraints.
In the Planning phase, the Project Manager establishes the scope of the project, refine the objectives, and define the strategy to reach those objectives. The key document is the Work Breakdown Structure with a list of the tasks, their durations and owners. Don’t forget the Risk Register to be sure that all that can hurt the project has been analysed and an adequate response planned.
In the Executing phase, the project work happens, with the Project Manager participating to direct the teams and suppliers, the Project Manager also must make sure that risks are under control. The work records are important, as well as minutes of meetings and change requests.
In the Monitoring and Controlling phase, the project work is directed and measured. The main documents are reports, quality reports, cost execution reports, and status reports to the sponsor.
In the Closing phase, the project must be concluded. It happens in two steps: contractual and administrative.
In the contractual closing phase all pending payments are made and contracts are closed.
In the administrative closing phase all resources are released (including the team). A Lessons Learned document is updated to record the final learning experiences, usually associated with project mistakes. It is to help future PMs and should be updated regularly during the project.
