Projects aren’t random activities thrown together; they follow a logical flow known as the project life cycle. This cycle helps keep things structured from start to finish. Let’s break it down into four steps:
Initiation
This is where it all begins. What’s the problem we need to solve? What’s the project’s purpose? Imagine starting a community clean-up initiative, at this stage, you’d define the “why” and set the scope.
Planning
Here’s where the magic happens. A project plan is drawn up, including timelines, budgets, and resources. For our clean-up project, this would involve scheduling dates, gathering volunteers, and sourcing materials.
Execution
Now it’s time to act. The team carries out the plan, tasks get ticked off, and progress is monitored. For our example, this is the day everyone gathers with gloves, bags, and tools to clean the area.
Closure
Once the work is complete, the project is reviewed. Did we meet our goals? What lessons can we carry forward? For the clean-up, it could mean celebrating the results and capturing feedback.
During the QCTO Project Management qualification, you don’t just read about these steps, you practice the full cycle through assignments and workplace projects, making the learning real and practical.