Life Cycle
The life cycle is the structured path a project follows from beginning to end, divided into defined phases with deliverables and reviews that guide planning, control, and go/no-go decisions.
Key Points
- Organizes the project into sequential or overlapping phases from start through closure, providing a management framework.
- Each phase typically ends with a review or gate to continue, redirect, or terminate the work.
- Phase names, counts, and details are tailored by the organization and may be predictive, iterative, incremental, or hybrid.
- Also called "project life cycle" (See project life cycle.); not the same as the product life cycle or the PM process groups.
Example
A city bridge project uses Concept, Design, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning phases. After Design, a gate review confirms scope, budget, and risks before funding Construction.
PMP Example Question
Which statement best describes a project's life cycle?
- The sequence of phases a project goes through from start to finish, often with decision gates between phases.
- The five process groups used to manage work throughout the project.
- The period from a product's market launch through retirement.
- The time-phased list of tasks that makes up the project schedule.
Correct Answer: A — The project's phased life cycle
Explanation: The life cycle defines the project's phases from beginning to end. The other options describe process groups, product life cycle, or a schedule.
