Product Lifecycle vs. Project Lifecycle

- The Product Lifecycle is longer than the Project Lifecycle

Phases or Sub Projects

Projects can be split into 2 or more phases or sub-projects (also may be called stages)
Normally sequential
May overlap
Sub-divisions of a larger project
May be part of a programme or portfolio
First phase is clearly defined, next phases may not be -> rolling wave planning = progressive elaboration

Predictive Lifecycles – aka fully plan driven

Iterative and Incremental Lifecycles

Iterations (phases)

Project Vision overall, detailed scope is elaborated for each iteration
Product developed and functionality added incrementally
Activities from all PM Process Groups normally performed during each iteration
At iteration end, a deliverable or a set of deliverables are completed and accepted by the customer
Each iteration builds in lessons learned from previous
Need to manage changing scope or objectives

Adaptive Lifecycles

Aka change driven or Agile
High levels of change and active stakeholder involvement
Iterations are short; typically 2 to 4 weeks; fixed time and cost
Product Backlog – set of requirements, defined by customer
Self managing team s - decide which backlog items they will produce;
Deliverables should be complete and ready for review
If not complete, returned to product backlog
Preferred when environment is rapidly changing, requirements difficult to specify at outset

The Project Life-Cycle

Level of uncertainty (risk of failing) and Stakeholders; Influence is:

highest at the start of the project
lowest towards the end

Cost of making changes is:

lowest at the start of the project
highest towards the end

Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK® Guide) – Fifth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2013 Page 40 Figure 2-9

The 5 Process Groups in the Project Lifecycle

Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK®Guide) – Fifrth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2013. Page 50 Figure 3-1

The Project Process Groups

Initiating - Those processes performed to define a new project or a new phase of an existing project, by obtaining authorisation to start the project or phase
Planning - Those processes performed to establish the total scope of the effort, define and refine the objectives, and develop the course of action required to attain these objectives
Executing - Those processes performed to complete the work defined in the Project Management Plan to satisfy the project objectives
Monitoring and Controlling - Required to track, review and regulate the progress and performance of the project, identify any areas in which changes to the plan are required, and initiate the corresponding changes
Closing - Completing all the project or phase activities, both production and project management, to formally close the project or phase

The definitions shown above in italics are taken from the Glossary of the Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK® Guide) – Fifth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2013

How Process Groups Overlap

Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK® Guide) - Fifth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2013 Page 51 Figure 3-2

Process Groups and Life Cycle Phases

Process Groups are not Project Life Cycle Phases
Project Life Cycle could be: Develop Concept -> Initial Design -> Detailed Design -> Prototype -> First Build -> Commission -> Test -> Secure -> Training -> Rollout
Each phase could require all the Process Group processes