Project Development Process: Discovery to Launch

To have a successful project, it is important to have a well-defined development process. The project development process is a critical part of any project. It includes all the steps necessary to complete the project, from inception to completion.

There are 6 phases in a typical project development process. Each of these phases is critical to success and must be executed properly to achieve results. 

In this article, we will discuss the 6 phases of a project development process and how they contribute to success.

What is Project Development?

Project Development is the process of creating a plan and executing it to achieve a specific goal. This process includes all the steps necessary to complete the project, from inception to completion. 

The first step in developing a project is to identify the problem or opportunity that the project will address. 

Once the problem or opportunity has been identified, the next step is to develop a goal for the project. The goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. 

Once the goal has been developed, the next step is to create a plan for achieving it. The plan should include objectives, strategies, timelines, and budgets. 

Once the plan has been created, the next step is to execute it. This includes all activities necessary to complete the project, such as procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning. 

Finally, once the project is completed, the last step is to evaluate it to ensure that it met its objectives. If not, then changes should be made to future projects to avoid making the same mistakes. 

Project Development is an iterative process that requires careful planning and execution to achieve success.

What are the 6 Phases of Project Development?

1. Discovery

The first phase of the project development process is discovery. This is the phase where the problem or opportunity is identified and a goal is developed for the project. This phase also includes market research to determine if there is a need for the project and if it is feasible.

The discovery phase is perhaps the most important, but it’s also often the most overlooked. For a more detailed description of this phase, see the article: “Why You Need to Start Your Project with the Discovery Phase” from Agilie. 

The discovery phase is important because it sets the direction for the rest of the project. If the problem or opportunity is not properly identified, the project will likely not be successful. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to do discovery correctly. 

This phase of the project usually takes between two and four weeks to complete. During this time, the team will work to define the scope of the project and identify potential solutions. 

Once the discovery phase is complete, the next phase of project development can begin.

2. Initiation

The initiation phase is the second phase of the project development process. This is the phase where a business case is developed for the project. 

The business case includes all the information necessary to decide on whether or not to proceed with the project. This information includes an assessment of the risks and benefits of the project, as well as an estimation of the costs and revenues associated with it. 

The initiation phase also includes the development of a project plan, which outlines the tasks that need to be completed to successfully complete the project. 

Once the business case and project plan are approved, the project can move on to the next phase.

3. Planning

Planning is the third phase of the project development process. This is the phase where the project plan is created. The plan includes objectives, strategies, timelines, and budgets. This phase also includes risk management and quality assurance. 

The goal of this phase is to make sure that the project is well-organized and that all potential risks have been identified and mitigated. This phase of the project usually takes between four and eight weeks to complete.

4. Execution

The execution phase of a project is when the project is executed according to the plan. This includes all activities necessary to complete the project, such as procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning. 

The main objectives of the execution phase are to complete the project on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. To achieve these objectives, the execution phase must be well planned and well managed. 

An effective execution phase will result in a successful project that meets the needs of the customer or client. Poorly executed projects can result in cost overruns, schedule delays, and substandard workmanship. Therefore, it is essential that the execution phase is managed effectively to ensure a successful outcome.

5. Monitoring and Control

Monitoring and controlling is the fifth phase of the project management process. This phase consists of two parts: Monitoring progress to ensure that the project is on track, and taking corrective action if necessary. 

Progress is monitored using various tools and techniques, such as status reports, milestone reviews, and risk management. By monitoring progress, project managers can identify any problems or issues that need to be addressed. 

If the project is not on track, corrective action may be needed to get it back on track. This could involve making changes to the project plan or adjusting the resources or schedule. 

Monitoring and controlling is an important part of the project management process, as it helps to ensure that the project stays on track and meets its objectives.

6. Closing

The closeout phase is the final stage in the project development process, and it involves completing all deliverables and handing them over to the client. This phase also includes a lessons learned exercise to improve future projects. 

The closeout phase is important because it ensures that all project objectives have been met and that the client is satisfied with the results. It also allows for a smooth transition to any post-project activities, such as maintenance or support. 

To ensure a successful closeout phase, it is important to have a clear and concise project plan, as well as effective communication with all project stakeholders.

Conclusion

The project development process is a six-phase process that takes a project from initiation to completion. The phases are discovery, initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closeout. Each phase has its objectives, activities, and deliverables. 

By following the project development process, project managers can ensure that their projects are well-organized and that all potential risks have been identified and mitigated. This process will also help to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.