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Project Life Cycle

The ordered progression of phases a project moves through, from its beginning to its end.

Key Points

  • Structures the project into distinct phases that may be sequential or overlapping.
  • Phase names and counts vary by organization and industry (e.g., concept, planning, execution, closure).
  • Includes governance checkpoints (phase gates) for go/no-go or continue decisions between phases.
  • Different from process groups; the process groups can repeat within each life cycle phase.

Example

An engineering firm uses a four-phase life cycle: concept, design, build, and closeout. After design, a phase-gate review checks drawings, budget, and risks to authorize moving into construction.

PMP Example Question

Which statement best describes the project life cycle?

  1. A set of related phases that take a project from beginning to end.
  2. The five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.
  3. The sequence of stages a product goes through from market launch to retirement.
  4. The organizational methodology used to manage portfolios.

Correct Answer: A — Project life cycle

Explanation: The project life cycle is the structured series of project phases; process groups (B) repeat within phases, product life cycle (C) concerns the product, and (D) relates to portfolio management.

Advanced Project Management — Measuring Project Performance

Move beyond guesswork and status reporting. This course helps you measure real progress, spot problems early, and make confident decisions using proven project performance techniques. If you manage complex projects and want clearer visibility and control, this course is built for you.

This is not abstract theory. You’ll work step by step through Earned Value Management (EVM), learning how cost, schedule, and scope come together to show true performance. You’ll build a solid foundation in EVM concepts, understand why formulas work, and learn how performance data actually supports leadership decisions.

You’ll master Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), control accounts, and budget baselines, then apply core EVM metrics like EAC, TCPI, and variance analysis. Through a detailed real-world example, you’ll forecast outcomes, analyze trends, and understand contingencies and management reserves with confidence.

Learn how experienced project managers monitor performance, communicate results clearly, and take corrective action before projects slip. With practical exercises and hands-on analysis, you’ll be ready to apply EVM immediately. Enroll now and start managing performance with clarity and control.



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HK School of Management delivers top-tier training in Project Management, Job Search Strategies, and Career Growth. For the price of a lunch, you’ll gain expert insights into landing your dream PM role, mastering interviews, and negotiating like a pro. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s zero risk—just a clear path to success!

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