Project-Management.com’s Top 3 Software RecommendationsLet Monday.com work for you.Start Free TrialWork smarter with Wrike.Try for FreeIncrease productivity with Smartsheet.Try Smartsheet for FreeProjects originate from various sources, including an internal business need for a product or service upgrade, an external client request or some kind of demand in the market. No matter the origin of the project, a project manager must have a solid plan to ensure that it is executed well.
Perhaps you’ve visited our website before as a student who is constantly improving your project management skills. You may have seen the article “Top Five Project Management Phases” written by Roli Pathak earlier in the month.
Roli mentions in her article that there are many ideas about how many phases or stages are required or should occur. This is to effectively spell out each step of a project plan so that things run smoothly. Roli cites the book Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which is published by the Project Management Institute. It states that the number of phases will depend on the type of project and the project team. ”
She explains that project management is based solely on the notion that a project passes through a series of phases that are characterized by a set of activities or tasks that take it from conception to completion. Roli gives an overview of an organizational strategy which includes the following five phases:
Initiation
Planning
Execution
Monitoring & Control
Closure
Exploring Phase 1 – Initiation
This article series will provide more details about each phase of a project. Phase 1, also known as the Initiation Phase by Roli, is the formal start of a project. This is when the scope is “named” and “defined”. This is the first stage of a project’s life cycle. There are many pieces to consider.
Phase 1 Documentation
Concept,Ai The initial phase of the project will be analyzed by decision-makers to determine if the project is beneficial to the entire organization. They will also consider profit, resources, and feasibility. They will decide whether or not they want to move forward and how. They will refine the concept and create a description statement. This will include the objectives and purpose, as well as deliverables. It will serve to be the foundation for all project details.
Proposal,Ai After the decision makers have approved a project concept, they can prepare a written proposal that details the scope and financial benefits of the project. This document will include details about the “what,” “why”, “how” and “how much” of the plan. This documentation step could be used to create a risk assessment tool. Investors and stakeholders would then have access to this information for their consideration as they consider moving forward with the project.
Charter,AiThe project charter can also be called a project initiation or PID. This document contains all details about the project, including why it is important. This document will contain all the information required to achieve the project objective. This is the final and formal documentation of phase 1. It authorizes the selection and enabling the project manager to manage the team and acquire the required resources. After this document has been approved, the initiation phase is over and the planning phase begins. The project charter should include an informal plan that will guide Phase 2 of the Planning phase. It should include a task listing, time estimate, and projected resources required to complete the project.
Documentation helps decision makers create a well-constructed, thoroughly evaluated plan that will be followed.

Oswald