Project life cycle
A project life cycle describes the phases through which a project develops from its initial idea or definition to delivery and closure. The phases and their names depend on the project and approach. They may be largely sequential, iterative or incremental, with reviews and decisions at appropriate points. Monitoring, control and risk management operate throughout relevant phases rather than necessarily appearing as a single isolated stage.
Worked example
A construction project moves through feasibility, design, construction and handover, with approval decisions between major stages. A software project may instead deliver and review several increments before overall closure.
Common mistake
Do not present one generic list of phases as mandatory for every project or confuse a product’s operating life with the project used to create it.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | SBL | Supporting | September 2026–June 2027 |