All projects have certain characteristics in common that makes them unique from other type of work:

• They all have a beginning and an end.
• All projects are unique. They may be similar to prior projects, but they are unique in terms of timeframes, resources, business environment, etc.
• Projects result in the creation of one or more deliverables.
• Projects also have assigned resources - either full-time, part-time, or both.

Project management defines the overall management and control processes for the project.  Just as there are common project management processes to manage most projects, there are also common models that can provide guidance on how to define the project lifecycle. These common models are valuable since they save project teams the time associated with creating the project work plan from scratch each time.

Project management is the planning, implementing, and monitoring of project activities to meet project objectives, achieved by effectively controlling and balancing the constraint of scope, schedule, and budget, in producing quality deliverables that meet or exceed the expectations of the project stakeholders.

All development organizations do most of their work through projects. Projects can be managed using a common set of project management processes. In fact, a similar set of project management processes can be utilized regardless of the type of project. For instance, all projects should be defined and planned, and all projects should have processes to manage scope, risk, quality, budget, etc.

A project lifecycle provides a basic outline that can be used by any project; in other words, the detailed work to deliver the outcomes is referred to as the "project lifecycle". It basically starts with the understanding of a need, then with the design of a solution, the proposal to a donor, approval of funding, the implementation and monitoring of all work, and the evaluation and closing of the project. Each of these major areas of focus is called a phase (design phase, planning phase, monitoring phase, etc.) Even a small project still goes through these basic phases.

A project lifecycle also refers to a logical sequence of activities to accomplish the project’s goals or objectives, as such is an approach that takes the project in distinct phases from its initiation until its completion. Different organizations have different phases and even different names for the phases. Each phase is also an opportunity for the project to stop and evaluate its progress before moving to the next phase in the cycle. This allows for opportunities to improve and reevaluate the assumptions the project made during the design phase.

Most organizations follow one type or another of a project cycle. Even donor organizations have well-defined models for the project cycle, but with a heavy emphasis in the funding phases to ensure the funds will be allocated to the most viable solution. The important point is that a common, scalable project management process can be used effectively on all projects.

Learn how to initiate, plan, implement, adapt and close a project that meets the needs of the beneficiaries and expectations of key stakeholders. The APM online course will introduce the elements of the project management lifecycle.  You will learn the methods for the efficient management of a project using a phased approach, and the concepts and practices necessary for the success of your management efforts. This course is open for all those who work or plan to get a job with the development cooperation and humanitarian field.

Register now and earn your certificate in Adaptive Project Management with a 20% early registration discount.