Project Lifecycle Stages

Agile, Waterfall, Traditional, Hybrid, Sequential If we consider a project life cycle, covering the project from ideation to closure (attached image), we can say: 1️⃣ We need a discovery stage in all projects (regardless of the label). In this stage, we define the business case, conduct a feasibility study, authorize the project, and establish acceptance and success criteria. It does not matter how we develop the product. 2️⃣ We need a requirements stage in all projects (regardless of the label). In this stage, we explore the stakeholders’ expectations and establish the business requirements. 3️⃣ We need a definition stage in all projects (regardless of the label). However, here, we might start using a different approach. 🟠 If the project is to deliver the end product as one big bang (one deliverable at the end) like a facility, then we often develop a semi-detailed approach suitable to acquire funding and award contracts for implementation (execution). This could include preliminary engineering work. 🟠 However, if the project is to deliver the product in increments or iterations, then the definition stage will lead to a high-level plan and the creation of a product backlog and tentative roadmap. 4️⃣ We need a delivery phase in all projects (regardless of the label). In this stage, we see the significant differences in the project. 🟠 If the project is to deliver the end product as one big bang, we do design > construction > handover sequentially with some overlaps. Per competent project management, we allow necessary change and can continue to plan and develop the work through work packages. 🟠 However, if the project is to deliver the product in increments or iterations, then we can use iterative and incremental development and release the final product in pieces. 5️⃣ We need the operational readiness stages in all projects (regardless of the label). This work would directly relate to the implementation and must align with the development approach (Iterative/Incremental -- OR -- Sequential). 6️⃣ Finally, we need the PLC closure stage for all projects. The above is to help our community understand a genuine adaptive project management method. There are #no agile methods; #no waterfall methods; and Hybrid methods are playing on labels. Once again, competent project management is adaptive. ✴️ There are #no early detailed and #fixed plans. In sequential planning, we do more upfront planning, but it is neither complete nor fixed. In Iterative/Incremental planning, we have a high-level plan and then plan each increment. ✴️ In all projects, we have ongoing communication between the owner, PM team, and developer. We allow change in all projects: the difference is that we must consider the cost of change. In facilities projects, early changes are easier/cheaper to absorb. However, once we reach construction, the cost could be 1000x more and highly disruptive. Despite this fact, if change is necessary, we do it.

💡 Project Life Cycle of a Business Analyst – More Than Just Gathering Requirements! Behind every successful project is a Business Analyst connecting the dots between business needs and technology solutions. Ever wondered what a BA's journey looks like across the project lifecycle? Let's breaks it down into 6 key stages: 1️⃣ Initiation • Identify business problems/opportunities • Engage stakeholders • Conduct feasibility analysis • Define high-level business requirements 2️⃣ Requirement Gathering & Analysis • Organize workshops, interviews, or surveys • Document Business Requirements (BRD) • Create Process Flow Diagrams • Prioritize requirements 3️⃣ Requirement Documentation & Validation • Draft Functional Specifications • Create Use Cases & User Stories • Obtain stakeholder sign-off • Perform Gap Analysis 4️⃣ Design & Collaboration • Collaborate with Developers & Architects • Clarify requirements • Update documentation (if needed) • Participate in Sprint Planning or Design Reviews 5️⃣ Testing & UAT Coordination • Define Test Scenarios • Support QA teams • Conduct UAT sessions • Log and track issues 6️⃣ Go-Live & Post-Implementation Support • Assist with Go-Live activities • Monitor production issues • Create User Manuals & Training Documents • Conduct Post-Implementation Review ✅ But here's the secret – the BA's job doesn't end at delivery... Change Requests, Impact Analysis, and Continuous Improvement keep the loop going! This visualization represents how BAs drive projects forward, align stakeholders, and turn business problems into solutions 😊 #BusinessAnalysis #ProjectLifeCycle #LifeOfABA #BusinessAnalyst

🧭 Understanding Project Categorization: Choosing the Right Life Cycle Whether you're building a bridge or developing software, one size does not fit all in project management. The choice of project life cycle should align with how fixed or evolving your scope is — and how many deliveries you're managing. 🔍 Here's a simple yet powerful framework to guide your approach: 🟨 Predictive (Waterfall) 📌 Fixed Scope, Single Delivery Ideal for projects like construction or engineering — bridges, buildings, kitchens — where changes are minimal and the path is clear. 🟨 Incremental 📌 Fixed Scope, Multiple Deliveries Used when the full product is known, but delivered in parts — like e-learning modules or TV series. 🟨 Iterative 📌 Changing Scope, Single Delivery Great for prototyping and design-heavy projects. You refine until the solution is just right — but deliver only once. 🟨 Agile (Adaptive/Change-Driven) 📌 Changing Scope, Multiple Deliveries Perfect for software development and environments with evolving requirements. The product grows through continuous feedback and iteration. 💡 Takeaway: The best project managers don’t just manage scope and time — they tailor the project life cycle to fit the context. Which life cycle do you work with most often? Or have you mixed models depending on the project? #ProjectManagement #PMP #Agile #Waterfall #ProjectLifecycle #PMI #ChangeManagement #Leadership #Innovation #DigitalTransformation