Explain briefly the life cycle of a project?

Answer 1

Key Aspects of Project LifecycleThree aspects of this planning process merit special attention.

1. Setting goals and estimating costs.

Each stage of the project lifecycle process involves setting clear goals for the next step and estimating the cost of reaching those goals. If the necessary funds or time are unavailable, it is better to stop the process than to continue and see the project fail. The process can begin again when funds are available.

2. The functional requirements study.

The functional requirements study is arguably the most important single step in the planning process. Here, careful study is devoted to what information is required for a project, how it is to be used, and what final products will be produced by the project. For a large organization, this amounts to a "map" of how information flows into, around, and out of each office and agency. The FRS also specifies how often particular types of information are needed and by whom. Furthermore, the FRS can look into the future to anticipate types of data processing tasks that expand upon or enhance the organization's work.

By assessing information flows so carefully, the FRS allows an organization to set goals for all of the subsequent steps in the lifecycle planning process. The FRS also allows an organization to consider information flows across all the domains of its work, forcing it to consider how different systems will be integrated. Without taking an encompassing view of information flows, a project implemented in one unit may be of no use to another. It is important to take this broad view of information flows to avoid stranding projects between incompatible systems.

3. The creation of a prototype.

By the time a project has moved into the development stage, the greatest temptation is to jump forward to full implementation. This is a very risky path, for it leaves out the prototyping stage. Prototypes are a critical step because they allow the system to be tested and calibrated to see whether it meets expectations and goals. Making adjustments at the prototype stage is far easier than later, after full implementation. The prototype also allows users to gain a feel for a new system and to estimate how much time (in training and conversion) will be required to move to the pilot and full implementation stages. Finally, a successful prototype can help enlist support and funding for the remaining steps in the lifecycle planning process.