Table of Contents
Introduction
The project life cycle is a series of phases that a project goes through from initiation to closure. Each phase of the project life cycle has specific deliverables associated with it, which play a vital role in guiding the project and ensuring its success. In this article, we will explore the role of deliverables in each phase of the project life cycle.
Initiation Phase
During the initiation phase, the primary goal is to define the project and its objectives, identify stakeholders, and establish initial project planning. The key deliverables in this phase include:
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Project Charter: This document outlines the project’s purpose, objectives, and high-level scope. It serves as a formalization of the project and helps gain stakeholder support.
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Preliminary Feasibility Study or Business Case: This deliverable assesses the project’s viability and provides a justification for its implementation.
These deliverables provide the foundation for the planning and execution of the project, ensuring that it is well-defined and has stakeholder support.
Planning Phase
The planning phase is where the project is extensively planned, and the project plan is developed. The deliverables in this phase include:
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Detailed Project Plan: This encompasses the project scope, schedule, budget, resources, risk management plan, quality plan, and communication plan. It serves as a roadmap for the project’s execution.
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Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): This document decomposes the project into manageable tasks, ensuring that all project activities are accounted for.
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Stakeholder Management Plan: This plan outlines how project stakeholders will be engaged and managed effectively.
These deliverables establish a roadmap for the project, define how it will be executed, and ensure that it is completed within the set constraints of time, cost, and quality.
Execution Phase
The execution phase is where the actual project work takes place, and deliverables are produced. The primary deliverables in this phase are:
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Project Work: This includes the completion of project tasks and activities as outlined in the project plan.
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Project-specific Deliverables: These vary depending on the nature of the project. For example, in a construction project, the deliverables may include completed building components, while in a software development project, the deliverables may consist of developed code, tested software modules, and user documentation.
The role of deliverables in this phase is to ensure that project work progresses according to plan, quality standards are met, and project outputs are produced as intended.
Monitoring and Controlling Phase
The monitoring and controlling phase focuses on tracking and managing project performance to ensure it aligns with the project plan and objectives. The key deliverables in this phase include:
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Progress Reports: These provide updates on the project’s status, including progress, schedule, budget, and any issues or changes that arise.
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Change Requests: These document any changes to the project scope, schedule, or budget and outline the necessary actions to address them.
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Quality Control Measurements: These assess the quality of project deliverables and ensure they meet the required standards.
These deliverables enable project managers and stakeholders to monitor project progress, identify and address issues and changes, and ensure the project remains on track.
Closing Phase
The closing phase marks the formal completion of the project and the transition of its deliverables to stakeholders. The key deliverables in this phase include:
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Project Closure Report: This document summarizes the project’s achievements, lessons learned, and any remaining open issues or tasks.
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Final Project Deliverables: These are formally handed over to stakeholders, and a formal acceptance documentation is obtained to confirm that the deliverables meet the agreed-upon requirements and quality standards.
The role of deliverables in this phase is to ensure the project is closed out in an orderly manner, project outcomes are effectively transferred to stakeholders, and any remaining administrative or contractual tasks are completed.
Conclusion
In summary, deliverables play a critical role in each phase of the project life cycle, from initiation to closure. They provide a clear and tangible way to measure progress, ensure project work meets objectives and requirements, and facilitate effective communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the project. By understanding the role of deliverables in each phase, project managers can effectively plan, execute, and close out projects, ensuring their success.
