Project Life Cycles and Stakeholders

Overview/Description
 Every project has a beginning and an end, but what happens in between is less predictable. The project life cycle will most likely involve uncertainties, and it's how these uncertainties are handled that determines the outcomes of the project. The more familiar one is with project phases and stakeholders, the more easily one can keep the project on track and on budget. Organizations might "fast track" projects by overlapping phases, or "single track" projects by having set criteria to be met and deliverables to be handed off before moving forward. The choice of how to handle the project life cycle will depend on the type of project, particular industry, and specific deliverables. To make these project management choices, individuals must understand what a project life cycle is and what factors can influence it. In this course, learners will be introduced to concepts and information about project lifecycles. They'll have the opportunity to define project phases and recognize the differences between project and product life cycles. Additionally, learners will begin to identify, and factor in, how project stakeholders can affect projects. Whether learners are experienced or first-time project managers, this course will have relevant and up-to-date best practices for them to follow. The course will assist in preparing the learner for the PMBOK certification exam. This course is aligned with "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK® Guide) - Third Edition, published by the Project Management Institute (PMI®), Inc., 2004. Copyright and all rights reserved. Material from this publication has been reproduced with the permission of PMI®.

Target Audience
 Project managers, managers, and CEOs

Expected Duration
2.0

Lesson Objectives:

Project Life Cycle and Phases

  • recognize the value of understanding the project life cycle.
  • identify examples of project elements that are defined by the project life cycle.
  • identify the characteristics of a project life cycle.
  • select the characteristics that define project phases.
  • distinguish between project and product life cycle descriptions.

    • Project Stakeholders

  • recognize the benefits of identifying all project stakeholders and understanding their roles and influences on a project.
  • match customers and users to corresponding examples in hypothetical project management situations.
  • identify examples of a project manager's responsibilities.
  • match questions project managers should ask about prospective team members to factors they should consider during the selection process.
  • select team members who would be appropriate for a given project.
  • select the appropriate responsibilities that define the role of the project sponsor.
  • identify examples of the responsibilities of a project management office in a given scenario.


    • Course Number: PROJ0512