Define In this Phase, you are proposing a project to senior management and stakeholders with a brief written description. This document is called a Project Definition Document. It helps support a shared understanding of what work the project will involve and what results it should achieve. If your Project Definition Document is approved, you move from the Define Phase to the Plan Phase.     Plan In this Phase, you provide more detail about the proposed project. A Project Plan outlines your approach to executing the project, including major activities and the estimated timelines and budget for completing these activities. If your Project Plan is approved, you move from the Plan Phase to the Implement Phase.     Implement In this Phase, you actually do the work described in the Project Plan. You begin with project mobilization (“start up”), securing the resources required to execute the project, orienting team members, and getting them started on work plans. With the team in place, your focus becomes the execution of the Project Plan using techniques to manage risks, issues, changes, quality, and cost. You also manage communications, project documents, procurement, and human resources. When this phase nears completion, you move from the Implement Phase to the Close Phase.     Close In this Phase, you demonstrate that the project is complete, assess its success, transfer project knowledge to others, finalize administrative issues, and support staff as the project ends and the team dissolves.
	Introduction
	Key Deliverables
	Key Resources

INTRODUCTION

In the Close Phase, you shut down the project in a controlled manner.

Your key activities are to:

• Demonstrate the project is complete
• Assess the success of the project
• Undertake administrative closeout
• Transfer knowledge to the permanent organization
• Support departing staff as the project ends and the team dissolves

When all deliverables are accepted, the project is finished and the team can be dissolved.

Questions? Check our FAQs for answers.

KEY DELIVERABLES

Lessons Learned Template

Acceptance Document Template

Final Project Archive

KEY RESOURCES

These job aids will help you complete project management deliverables in this phase. See the Resources section for other materials that may be useful.

Exit Interview Questionnaire

Project Archive Checklist

Lessons Learned Preparation Guidelines

Acceptance Document Preparation Guidelines