Introduction | Principal Parties | Project Plan | Improving Performance
Project Life Cycle | Bar Chart Schedule | Manpower Loading Data
Information Explosion | Final Cost | Design Stages | Cost Effectiveness
Choices | Construction Costing | Value Management | Design Review
Cost of Building Ownership | Practice and Value Management | Summary

The Project Life Cycle: Four Basic Phases

Figure 1 shows a typical project life cycle separated into its generally accepted four fundamental phases.[1] The figure also lists the activities to be expected in each phase. The phase separations correspond to key decision points for purposes of executive level control.

Figure 1: Typical Project Life Cycle

Not all projects, of course, conform rigorously to the stages shown and the activities within each may vary somewhat. However, less than satisfactory project performance and lack of control can frequently be traced to significant departures from the division of activities as shown. The so-called "fast-track" approach to project implementation, i.e. the sequential procurement of separate design packages may be viewed as a departure. Nevertheless, for effective control each design package must still follow the phases shown.

Improving Performance Through Understanding

A Typical Building Project Bar Chart Schedule

1.  Adams, J. R. and Barndt, S. E. "Organizational Life Cycle Implications for Major Projects." Project Management Quarterly, Vol. IX, No. 4, Dec. 1978, p. 32-39.

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