The Stage-Gate Model

Abstract

The stage-gate model is a project management methodology used to drive a project from idea-to-launch in a structured way, including several decision-making points, so called gates, where senior management is involved to take decisions regarding the course of the project.

The stage-gate model was firstly developed by companies as a way to manage the product development process more efficiently. However, the model being intuitively appealing and simple, it was adopted to manage a variety of other projects like process improvements and changes in the processes within companies. Today, it is regarded as a general project management methodology with a wide range of variations.

A phase-gate process, a waterfall process, a front-end loading (FEL), a big design up front (BDUF) are very similar methodologies to the stage-gate model.

Usually, the model involves from four to seven stages and gates. Each stage is followed by a gate, when certain deliverables are to be submitted and a decision should be taken that leads to the next stage. A typical model is comprised of the following stages and their gates:

Idea – G1 – Preliminary Assessment – G2 – Business Case Development – G3 – Development/Manufacture – G4 – Testing and Validation – G5 – Launch

The stage-gate model mitigates the risk apparent in a new project through the structured process with the senior management support, however sometimes it is regarded as rigid and slow and accused of killing creativity and innovation.