Methodologies &

Life Cycles
Two tools to help a project
manager be truly effective!
 Methodologies-1
• A methodology is a set of standards and
procedures to follow for a given process.
• The purpose of a project management
methodology is to create repeatable processes
as well as to provide consistency among project
managers.
• A good methodology is:
– Easy to use
– Provides a solid framework
– Allows flexibility
 Methodologies-2
• Project management methodologies are
guidelines for the type of documentation
and authorities required to proceed at
various points throughout the project.
• These guidelines:
– Provide a framework within which to work
– Help an organization standardize procedures
and terminologies
 Methodologies-3
• Companies create their project
management methodologies in three
ways:
– They purchase them from another company
and use them as is.
– They develop their own methodologies from
scratch.
– They customize a purchased methodology.
• Methodologies evolve over time.
 Life Cycles-1
• Life cycles define the various components
of a project’s or product’s life.
• Life cycles are comprised of three
components:
– Initiation
– Execution
– Closing
 Life Cycles-2
• Every company with a project
management methodology usually has its
own project management life cycle, too.
• A life cycle divides each project into
discrete stages or phases which, in turn,
dictate the types of activities performed
during these stages or phases.
 Sample Life Cycles
• Here are several examples of project
management life cycles:
– Project initiation, planning, construction,
project review
– Start-up, planning, implementation, post-
implementation
– Initiating, planning, developing evaluating
 Other Tips
• Combining methodologies with life cycles
helps a company build repeatable project
successes.
• Find out which methodologies and life
cycles are standard in your company.
– While names for each phase, activity and task
might differ, the work being done will not.