Project Life Cycle in Industrial Engineering

All projects can be mapped to a generic life cycle structure. A project life cycle is a sequence of steps through from the beginning to the end, they are sequential and, generally in industrial engineering, there are 4 four main phases which are: Initiation, Planning, Execution and Closure. The phases can be broken down by intermediate milestones, specific results or deliverables. The project life cycle also allows for the gate procedure to be used. This is a tried and tested method for delivering projects on time, within budget and to the expected quality targets. The life cycle provides the basic framework for managing the project, regardless of the specific work involved, it is independent from the product life cycle produced by or modified by the project.

Big idea

This structure of life cycle is often used in industrial engineering, because there is a communication with upper management or other entities less familiar with the details of the projects.

Initiation: Starting the project

This phase is where the project objectives are defined and the aspects of the project agreed. It is the phase where a problem is identified and potential solutions suggested. The scope of work is now defined in detail.

Planning: Organizing and preparing

This phase is where the project is broken down into manageable areas of work and planned in terms of time, cost and resources. This is a continuous process and will extend throughout the execution phase of the project.

Execution: Carrying out the work

During this phase the work is implemented, controlled and monitored.

Closure: Closing the project

The purpose of the Project Closure Phase is to formally close the project. During Project Closure, there are several key activities that need to be performed...

• Verify that the completion criteria are met
• Create a project closure report
• Collect and archive project artifacts
• Perform a project postmortem