Successful project completion is undoubtedly a bumpy corporate ride. Navigating through the unavoidable business pitfalls, chasing the forever ticking clock, a tight budget, and keeping in sync with the team are a few things to be considered. The word ‘daunting’ is not even close to what project managers have to go through, juggling flawlessly between different work affairs. Project management is the art that is to be mastered because if things go off track, yes, you guessed it right, it is the project manager who owes an explanation and it is the guide to the project management lifecycle, which comes to the rescue!

 

Knowledge of the project management lifecycle is crucial as it gives an organized, phase-wise work plan for project completion. Getting a grasp of project management is never an easy exercise. To bring clarity, we have come up with The Ultimate Guide to Project Management Lifecycle. 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Project Management Lifecycle

 

A project is all about a start, an end, and so much in the middle of the two. The analytical approach of breaking down a problem into sub-elements is the project management lifecycle’s fundamental principle. The project manager logically dissects the project into smaller key phases with its own sets of goals and characteristics for gaining better control and insight into the complicated procedure. 

 

The project management lifecycle defines or answers the following questions.

 

  • What is the project objective?
  • What are the expected outcomes?
  • Who will be the team members?
  • How to track every phase of the project?

There are two widely used project management methodologies- The traditional or Waterfall model is categorized under linear approach, whereas the Agile model follows an iterative approach. Let us look at the various project management stages in the traditional model and its purpose.

Related read: The Ultimate Guide To Project Resource Management (Best PowerPoint Templates Included)

4 Stages of Traditional Project Management Lifecycle

 

A traditional project management lifecycle goes through 4 stages or phases.

  1. Initiation phase- The first phase is the initiation phase, which starts with the documentation process. It involves gathering all the project documents that might be required for reference. Additionally, project objectives and scope are listed in the project charter, and consultation with subject matter experts is undertaken during the initiation phase. Feasibility assessment is conducted, and the project team is assembled in the project initiation phase.
  2. Planning stage- The budget estimation plan, communication plan, and the risk management assessment plan are crafted during the second step of the project management lifecycle. The project schedule is created using Gantt charts and timelines. Tasks are listed and sorted according to priority using a work breakdown structure in the planning stage. The roles and responsibilities are delegated as per the expertise. 
  3. Execution and monitoring phase- The triple constraints of project management, namely: time, cost, and quality, are catered during the third phase of the project management lifecycle. Task, time and cost management are discussed in detail and processed in the execution stage. The project manager constantly monitors, controls, and ensures that the project is going as per the plan. If there is some anomaly, it is rectified immediately. Procurement, resource management, reporting on status, portfolio, and timesheet for stakeholders are also part of the third stage of the project management lifecycle along with execution and tracking.
  4. Completion stage- The last and final phase of the project is the completion stage. Wrapping up the project comprises transferring deliverables, client confirmations, and documentation review to double-check everything and avoid last-minute changes. Finally, as the project is successfully completed, the team is released from the project in the last stage of the project management lifecycle.

 

Case Study

 

Let us understand with the help of an example of a marketing campaign project.

  1. Initiation- The project objectives and target audience are described in the initiation phase. All the prerequisites such as a brand motto, the product range, etc. are gathered in the first phase of the project management lifecycle. The project managers form the team, keeping in mind the skills and qualifications required for the project. 
  2. Planning- Dedicated project timeline and budget projection are created in the second stage of the marketing campaign management lifecycle. Each team member is delegated tasks by the project manager, such as content writing, social media posting. etc. as per the expertise.
  3. Execution and monitoring- All the scheduled plans come into action in the project management life cycle’s execution phase. Project managers keep a close eye on each campaign’s activity to meet the project goals within the stipulated time and proposed project budget.
  4. Completion- This stage is the final stage of the marketing campaign project lifecycle, which comprises final approval from the client, resource release, and gathering the findings for future reference.

P.S: Do not forget to celebrate your successful project venture with your teammates; after all, the team deserves it!

 

The project management lifecycle is a great way of simplifying the uber complex process of successful project completion. To help you out, along with the Ultimate Guide to Project Management Lifecycle, SlideTeam professionals have curated 30+ Customizable Templates. Download these content-ready project management lifecycle templates, which are versatile and can be used in different business cases. This Ultimate Guide to Project Management Lifecycle and the contemporary templates are all you need for efficient project management.

 

So, scroll below!

 

Top 30+ Customizable Project Lifecycle Templates to Download 

 

Template 1

 

Project Management Life Cycle MethodologyDownload Project Management Life Cycle Methodology Template

 

State the project’s list and describe the planning phase in detail by introducing this content ready project management lifecycle complete deck. With the help of the editable planner in the template, you can mention the activities associated with the project and the deliverables and deadlines.

 

Template 2

 

Four Staged Sequential Of Project Management Life CycleDownload Four Staged Sequential Of Project Management Life Cycle Template

 

Project managers can elaborate on the four stages of the project management life cycle by downloading this stunning template. You can describe the key points of each phase by utilizing this professionally designed project management lifecycle. 

 

Template 3

 

Project Management ProcessDownload Project Management Process Template

 

Managers can discuss the four phases of the project management lifecycle with the aid of this comprehensively researched template. Using this attention-grabbing business template, you can have effective brainstorming sessions with your colleagues.

 

Template 4

 

Project Management Life Cycle With Forward Moving ArrowsDownload Project Management Life Cycle With Forward Moving Arrows Template

 

Showcase the steps of the project management lifecycle interestingly by downloading this customizable template. The color palette used here instantly grabs the viewer’s attention.

 

Template 5

 

4 Phases Of Project Management Life CycleDownload 4 Phases Of Project Management Life Cycle Template

 

Explain the stages of the project management lifecycle by the graphical representation by employing this amazingly designed business template. You can highlight the focus points and have a detailed discussion by incorporating this striking project management lifecycle template.

 

Template 6

 

Project Phases 5 Phases Of Project Management Life CycleDownload Project Phases 5 Phases Of Project Management Life Cycle Template

 

Illustrate the sequential procedure of completing a project by utilizing this pre-designed project management lifecycle template. As this template is editable, you can easily modify it as per business requirements.

 

Template 7

 

Project Management Life Cycle Consist 4 PhasesDownload Project Management Life Cycle Consist 4 Phases Template

 

Showcase the project management lifecycle comprehensively by downloading this pre-built template. The project duration and funds required can be stated clearly by the manager by utilizing this visually appealing template.

 

Template 8

 

Overlap Process With Project Management Life CycleDownload Overlap Process With Project Management Life Cycle Template

 

The project management lifecycle and its phases can be described effectively by incorporating this professionally designed template. You can discuss the importance of every stage with your colleagues using this pre-designed project management lifecycle template.

 

Template 9

 

Project Contract Life Cycle ManagementDownload Project Contract Life Cycle Management Template

 

Illustrate the project management lifecycle process interestingly by incorporating this visually appealing customizable template. This template can be very resourceful for brainstorming sessions.

 

Template 10

 

Project Management Life Cycle Showing 4 PhasesDownload Project Management Life Cycle Showing 4 Phases Template

 

With this interesting and unique depiction of the project management lifecycle template, you can describe the importance of every stage to your colleagues and delegate tasks accordingly.

 

Template 11

 

Management Life Cycle For Phased ProjectDownload Management Life Cycle For Phased Project Template

 

Project managers can illustrate the four stages of the project management life cycle by utilizing this editable template. You can demonstrate the highlights of each phase by downloading this professionally designed project management lifecycle. 

 

Template 12

 

Bubble Shaped Project Life Cycle 5 PhasesDownload Bubble Shaped Project Life Cycle 5 Phases Template

 

Managers can showcase the four phases of the project management lifecycle with the help of this extensively researched template. Using this eye-catching business template, you can have productive brainstorming sessions with your team.

 

Template 13

 

Project Development Life CycleDownload Project Development Life Cycle Template

 

Describe the steps of the project management lifecycle by downloading this customizable template. The color palette used here instantly grabs the viewer’s attention. You can use this template to present the business case specifications.

 

Template 14

 

Six Phases Of Construction ProjectDownload Six Phases Of Construction Project Template

 

Discuss the stages of the project management lifecycle by introducing this ready-made business template. You can bring the spotlight on critical points and have a detailed discussion by incorporating this striking project management lifecycle template.

 

Template 15

 

Project Life Cycle DevelopmentDownload Project Life Cycle Development Template

 

Elaborate on the sequential procedure of completing a project by downloading this pre-built project management lifecycle template. As this template is customizable, you can easily modify it as per business requirements.

 

Template 16

 

Software Project Life Cycle V ModelDownload Software Project Life Cycle V Model Template

 

Demonstrate the project management lifecycle comprehensively by incorporating this ready-made template. The manager can explain the V model by utilizing this visually appealing template.

 

Template 17

 

Business Life CycleDownload Business Life Cycle Template

 

The project management lifecycle and its stages can be discussed effectively by incorporating this professionally designed template. You can illustrate the importance of every stage with your colleagues using this pre-built project management lifecycle template.

 

Template 18

 

Project Phases 4 Stages Of Project Life CycleDownload Project Phases 4 Stages Of Project Life Cycle Template

 

Showcase the project management lifecycle process interestingly by employing this visually appealing, professionally designed template. This template can be very resourceful for brainstorming sessions.

 

Template 19

 

Phases Of Ensuring Data Privacy Compliance In Project Life CycleDownload Phases Of Ensuring Data Privacy Compliance In Project Life Cycle Template

 

With this striking and unique interpretation of the project management lifecycle template, you can discuss the importance of every stage to your colleagues and delegate tasks accordingly. The progress of the project can be easily monitored and tracked using this template.

 

Template 20

 

Business Life Cycle StrategiesDownload Business Life Cycle Strategies Template

 

Describe each phase of the project lifecycle by downloading this striking template. With the help of this template, you can manage the project details efficiently.

 

Template 21

 

Business Life Cycle ChartDownload Business Life Cycle Chart Template

 

Illustrate the business lifecycle and have effective brainstorming sessions by downloading this eye-catching template. You can modify the template as per business requirements.

 

Template 22

 

Business Life Cycle DiagramDownload Business Life Cycle Diagram Template

 

The various phases of the project management lifecycle process can be demonstrated by incorporating this pre-designed template. The key points can be summarized with the help of this stunning template.

 

Template 23

 

Small Business Life CycleDownload Small Business Life Cycle Template

 

Elaborate on the different stages of the project management lifecycle process and emphasize its importance by employing this striking template. The diagrammatic representation is beneficial for a better understanding of the concept.

 

Template 24

 

Multiple Stages Of Asset Risk Management Life CycleDownload Multiple Stages Of Asset Risk Management Life Cycle Template

 

Asset risk management can be elaborated by incorporating this amazingly designed project management lifecycle template. Using this visually appealing template, you can explain the significance of each stage of the project management lifecycle.

 

Template 25

 

V Model Of Software Project Life CycleDownload V Model Of Software Project Life Cycle

 

V model used in software development can be demonstrated by incorporating this customizable template. The project manager can emphasize the key points to be taken care of by downloading this template. 

 

Template 26

 

Business Life Cycle DevelopmentDownload Business Life Cycle Development Template

 

Demonstrate the different stages of the project management lifecycle process and its importance by downloading this striking template. The diagrammatic representation is beneficial for a better understanding of the concept.

 

Template 27

 

Business Analysis Life CycleDownload Business Analysis Life Cycle Template

 

With this unique interpretation of the project management lifecycle template, you can spotlight the importance of every stage to your colleagues and delegate tasks accordingly. The progress of the project can be easily monitored and tracked using this template.

 

Template 28

 

Project Life Cycle Development ExampleDownload Project Life Cycle Development Example Template

 

The project management lifecycle and its phases can be discussed effectively by incorporating this professionally designed template. You can discuss the importance of every stage with your colleagues using this pre-built project management lifecycle template.

 

Template 29

 

Basic 4 Phases Of System Development Life CycleDownload Basic 4 Phases Of System Development Life Cycle

 

Managers can describe the four phases of the project management lifecycle with the help of this extensively researched template. Using this eye-catching business template, you can have productive brainstorming sessions with your team.

 

Template 30

 

Phases Of System Development Life CycleDownload Phases Of System Development Life Cycle Template

 

Showcase the sequence of the project management lifecycle interestingly by downloading this customizable template. The color palette used here instantly grabs the audience’s attention.

 

Template 31

 

Predictive Analytics Roadmap With Life CycleDownload Predictive Analytics Roadmap With Life Cycle Template

 

Elaborate on the project management lifecycle process interestingly by downloading this pre-designed template. This template can be very advantageous for brainstorming sessions.

 

We have come up with The Ultimate Guide to Project Management Lifecycle to manage the nitty-gritty of the project like a pro. These customizable 30+ project management lifecycle templates are great time savers for keeping track of various activities. With the help of our Ultimate Guide to Project Management Lifecycle, show off your excellent managing skills with the aid of our contemporary templates.

 

Download our project management ppt templates now!