Project Management Framework

The framework is a subset of tasks and tools used by the project team to get insight into the project in order to initiate, execute, monitor and terminate the project activities throughout the project lifecycle.

Each red circle is a Phase of the project, starting at the top of the circle with the project initiation being the first phase.

  • Waterfall project management is a sequential, linear process, consisting of several distinct phases. This model takes its name from the cascading "flow" of its life cycle, which moves downward (akin to a waterfall) through the stages of development.
  • In the Iterative model, the process starts with a simple implementation of a small set of the software requirements and iteratively enhances the evolving versions until the complete system is integrated and ready to be deployed. There may be multiple deployments throughout the process or one at the end of the project.
  • Agile project management is an approach based on delivering requirements iteratively and incrementally throughout the project life cycle. At the core of Agile is the requirement to exhibit central values and behaviors of trust, flexibility, empowerment, and collaboration. In an Agile project, there will be multiple deployments.

The Monitor and Control Phase oversees all the tasks and metrics necessary to endure that the approved project is within scope, on time, and on budget so that it proceeds with minimal risk. This process is continuously performed through the life of the project, so it is indicated s the overall grey circle encompassing the Framework.

Framework Phases

Project Initiation

The project initiation phase is the first phase within the project management life cycle, as it involves starting up a new project.

During this phase, the Project Kickoff presentation is created, and it is determined if the Commodity & Services activity are needed.

  • The Project kickoff establishes the first opportunity for the team to get together, the roles and responsibilities and the expectations for how the project will run. This is created by the Project Manager.
  • The Commodity & Services activity focuses on procuring necessary aspects of the project whether it be hardware, software, human resources, and/or services. Should this be required, the requirements are identified and the Request for Proposal is created. The signed contract(s) and Purchase Order numbers (POs) are necessary to close this activity and move to Project Planning.
Project Planning

The project planning phase is where the requirements are fleshed out and approved. The Project plan is created which will guide the team through execution and closure of the project.

During this phase, the formal Requirements are approved, and the Project Plan and Communication Plan are created.

  • The Requirements contains the Business requirements broken down into functional requirements and is created by the Business Analyst.

  • The Project Plan, created by the Project Manager with input from the Project team, establishes the schedule with which the team will perform the necessary steps to complete the work.

  • The Communication Plan outlines the who, what, why, and where is created by the Project Manager.

Project Execution

The project execution phase is where the idea becomes a tangible reality. This phase implements the prior planning into action.

During this phase, the Test Strategy, Test Plans, and the Implementation Plan are created. The end product goes into production during the end of this phase.

Project Monitor & Control

Monitor and Control process oversees all the tasks and metrics necessary to ensure that the approved project is within scope, on time, and on budget so that the project proceeds with minimal risk. This process is continuously performed throughout the life of the project, we indicated it as the overall circle encompassing the Framework.

During this phase, the Project Worksheet, RACI, and Change Requests are created by the Project Manager.

The Project Worksheet contains:

  • Action items log
  • Decisions log
  • Change Request log

The Change Request is generated if there is a requested modification to the scope, schedule, budget, and/or resources assigned to the project.

Project Closure

The project closure phase is the final phase of the project. During this phase, the team comes together to
discuss the project in a retrospective. A closure report is created by the Project Manager.