Standard Project Lifecycle

Initiate a Standard Project

To initiate a standard project, please complete the Project Initiation form and return to, Director of Project Management & Strategic Initiatives, Heather Lindemann, PMP.

Project Initiation form (DOC 182KB)

Standard Lifecycle

RPM uses the standard project lifecycle for all types of projects except process improvement and events, which have their own unique lifecycles. The standard lifecycle consists of four phases: initiation, planning, execution and close.

Standard Lifecycle (PDF 96KB)

1. Initiation

RPM management and staff will review the initiation form and determine project feasibility in terms of scope, time and cost. Once the project is deemed feasible, the assigned project manager will contact the sponsor and begin development of the Project Charter. Upon completion and approval of the project charter, the initiation phase is closed.

2. Planning

Once the project charter is approved, the planning phase begins. The project manager will work with the project team and relevant stakeholders to complete the project plan. Once the project plan is complete, and has been approved, this phase is closed. The project plan consists of the following documents:

3. Execution

During this phase, the project team is executing their responsibilities as documented in the Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM). The project manager will monitor the progress of the project through progress reports and issue logs. Once the intended product or result of the project is complete, this phase is closed.

Change Control Point
If any change to the project plan is required, the project manager will complete the Project Change Request form and the president will review it to approve or reject the change. If the change is approved, the appropriate documentation (schedule, budget, etc…) will be updated.

4. Close

Once the project is complete, associated contracts will be closed and lessons learned documented. Upon closure of contracts and documentation of lessons learned, the project is closed.