The entire project management process can be divided up into five different phases: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control, and Closing. The diagram shows that the different phases come at specific parts of the project. However, in reality there are many overlaps between the phases, and seldom do you see one phase completely finished before the next begins. For the purpose of studying for the exam, we will combine Initiation and Planning. Later we will look at the Planning and Execution phases together, the Execution and Control phases, and finally the Control and Closing phase.
Initiation and Planning occur before Execution and Control, and much of what you need to know about project management can be made simpler by combining two sections. The first of these phases, Initiation, is the time when someone or some organization specifically authorizes beginning and executing a project. Actually, Initiation is often the most overlooked of all the phases. Along with Closing, it seems to fall by the wayside in a lot of organizations.
Although the authorizing of resources may seem to be absolutely necessary, it is surprising how many times projects begin without specific authorization from one person. You must have one person to authorize all the resources, and that one person must have control of the project. This means that only one person is authorizing materials, money, and people. In many organizations, a department or a group of people approves projects. This can cause problems. Without a single point of responsibility for the project, there is a major issue of accountability floating through this process. Only when you have a single source for accountability can you be truly certain that one person is watching the project and is responsible in the end for the final outcome of the project.
Initiation and Planning occur before Execution and Control, and much of what you need to know about project management can be made simpler by combining two sections. The first of these phases, Initiation, is the time when someone or some organization specifically authorizes beginning and executing a project. Actually, Initiation is often the most overlooked of all the phases. Along with Closing, it seems to fall by the wayside in a lot of organizations.
Although the authorizing of resources may seem to be absolutely necessary, it is surprising how many times projects begin without specific authorization from one person. You must have one person to authorize all the resources, and that one person must have control of the project. This means that only one person is authorizing materials, money, and people. In many organizations, a department or a group of people approves projects. This can cause problems. Without a single point of responsibility for the project, there is a major issue of accountability floating through this process. Only when you have a single source for accountability can you be truly certain that one person is watching the project and is responsible in the end for the final outcome of the project.