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 Plan Phase, your project is proposed in more detail, and you outline a clear approach for executing the project.

Your key activities are to:

• Thoroughly plan the project activities, schedule, and resource requirements; and
• Provide more detailed information to senior management for discussion and approval.

Deliverables in this phase build on the Project Definition Document and Business Case from the Define Phase.

A Project Plan will outline what work a project will do and how it will be executed, including timeline and budget information. Typically, a detailed Schedule and Budget are provided as appendices to the Project Plan.

Once the Project Plan, Schedule, and Budget are approved, you move from the Plan Phase to the Implement Phase.

Questions? Check our FAQs for answers.

KEY DELIVERABLES

When you complete the deliverables in the Plan Phase, you answer the following key questions:

• What activities and deliverables will be completed?
• How long will the project take?
• Who will do what?
• What will the project cost?
• How will risks and issues be managed?

Project Plan Template

Project Schedule Template

Budget

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.

Project Plan Preparation Guidelines

Resource Estimate Worksheet

Ready Reckoner

Stakeholder Identification Checklist

Standard Organization Chart and Role Descriptions

Three Key Questions

Zone of Reason