PMO Project Phases
The Project Management Office use a phased approach to manage projects as outlined in the diagram below (click on the diagram to enlarge).
Each project phase (Identify, Plan, Execute, Close) is explained at a high level below, with links to the pages which explain the phases in greater detail.
Identify Phase
The first phase of a project is the identification phase. During this phase a business problem or opportunity is identified, an approach is defined, a project is formed and a project team is appointed to build and deliver the solution to the customer. The following activities are undertaken during the identification phase:
- A Project Request Form (PRF) is completed
- A Project Charter is created
- The charter is reviewed by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Once approved by SMEs, the charter is reviewed by the Project Review Committee (PRC)
- Once approved by the PRC, the charter requires customer approval prior to planning phase activities
For more information about all of the above activities including guidance and template documents, please navigate to our How do I get Started? page.
Plan Phase
Once the scope of the project has been defined in the terms of reference, the project enters the planning phase. This is the most important phase to help ensure the project delivers the desired output, in the desired time frame, and within the project constraints. The following activities are undertaken during the planning phase:
- Project kick off meeting is held
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is developed
- Project Schedule is developed
- Project Management Plan is developed
For more information about all of the above activities including guidance and template documents, please navigate to our How is a Project Planned? page.
Execute Phase
The Execute Phase is where the actual project work gets done as per the project management plan. A systems development life cycle (SDLC) may be used. An example as follows:
- Design
- Build
- Testing Against Requirements
- Training
- Operational Assessment
- Implementation
For more information about all of the above activities including guidance and template documents, please navigate to our How is a Project Managed? page.
Close Phase
Project closure involves releasing the final deliverables to the customer, handing over project documentation to the business, releasing project resources and communicating the closure of the project to all stakeholders. The last remaining step is to undertake a post implementation review to quantify the level of project success and identify any lessons learned for future projects. The following activities are undertaken during the closure phase:
- Conduct Lessons Learned
- Create End Project Report
- Project Closure Meeting
- Receive end project sign-off from Customer
- Archive all project documents and artifacts
For more information about all of the above activities including guidance and template documents, please navigate to our When is a Project Finished? page.
Project Management Office Homepage
Who is the PMO?
How ITS Defines a Project
PMO Project Phases
How do I Get Started?
How is a Project Planned?
How is a Project Managed?
When is a Project Finished?
Project Roles and Responsibilities
Project Management Office Services
Project Management Education
Project Management Resources & Templates
Email the Project Management Office or phone (646) 962 2247
Who is the PMO?
How ITS Defines a Project
PMO Project Phases
How do I Get Started?
How is a Project Planned?
How is a Project Managed?
When is a Project Finished?
Project Roles and Responsibilities
Project Management Office Services
Project Management Education
Project Management Resources & Templates
Email the Project Management Office or phone (646) 962 2247
