In general project methodology four major phases of project life cycle are differentiated. These include (1) initiation, 2) planning and design (3) execution (also called implementation) and (4) closure (review). These phases represent a sequence and very often they overlap. Evaluation and error correction for example should be part of each phase.
Initiation is the first phase of any project. At first the main idea of the project is to be identified. The main questions that arise in this phase are: What do we do? Why do we do it? Who are to do it? For whom do we do it? Needs analysis is also an integral part of the first phase. In educational projects for example, it is important to collect information on learning needs, the learners’ desires and the learning environment. Data gathering can be formal or informal, including observation, surveys, questionnaires, interviews, checklists, tests or rating scales. Conclusions should be drawn form these findings and project work needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Planning (design) is the second phase of the project sequence. A good project plan is halfway to success. In Phase 2 project participants are to come up with a list of deliverables, which are things that need to be created in order to meet the goals. Deliverables might include for example posters, pictures, concerts or other cultural programmes and many other items or events. Another task in this phase is to create the project schedule. It involves a list of tasks and ’task owners’, that is the persons who are in charge of certain tasks. Setting the deadline for task completion is also important.
Execution (implementation) is the ’doing’ phase when the project becomes ’visible’ for outsiders as well. This is also the phase when most part of the evaluation takes place.
Closure, the last phase, is a milestone in project life cycle. It is the phase when the project goes public. The end of the project is always marked with a special closing event. The final act is to review the project, celebrate its success, thank the participants and plan ahead.