Project cycle management (PCM) is a method based on years of development, focused on organizing and planning projects through foundational principles and defined phases. This process covers the inception of the project to its planning and execution.
There are many benefits to the cycle. You can expect -
Clarity and measurable goals
Well-calculated risks
Efficient resource management
Better efficiency, leading to savings in time and cost
Better likelihood of meeting expectations
The more effective rate of timely project completion and delivery
In this article, you'll learn all about PCM and why it can add value to your projects.
How the Project Cycle Management Works
PCM strengthens the project life cycle by focusing on a well-organized system that has proven results. It's organized in phases that are laid out for clarity, objective goals and expectations, and universal practice. Each phase works much like a chapter of a book, to be started and completed before moving on to the next phase. This ensures better quality outcomes and meeting on agreed project expectations.
When a phase is complete, the new one commences. As a project manager or professional leads his or her team through each phase, they can move their starting point forward until the total project completion.
Project cycle management utilizes basic project management principles. It prioritizes project structure, a defined phase, clear goals, transparency, risk recognition, and several other components.
The significant positive outcome from using PCM for the project life cycle is a cost-effective, organized process, with quality results on time.
Why Project Cycle Management
Many professionals have experienced the overwhelming feeling that comes with a large project. It sometimes seems impossible, especially if similar projects have faced significant historical challenges. When dealing with a team, a strict timeline, various partners, and multiple economic risks, many components can throw a wrench into things.
Project cycle management is a proven process that helps eliminate that risk and create a more effective solution. With PCM, professionals can manage projects with confidence throughout the entire project cycle.
There are three main reasons why we use project cycle management.
Simplicity
Improved productivity
Transparency
Simplicity
"Simplify, simplify, simplify." - Henry David Thoreau
The project cycle management process simplifies the project. In a complex situation, with many components working simultaneously, simplicity is critical. When leaders can simplify the process, this creates better results that lead to ultimate success. PCM uses phases which break up the process.
Improved Productivity
"Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else." - Peter Drucker
When it comes to saving costs, time, and improving quality, effective productivity means everything. When the PCM phases simplify the process, teams can execute the project successfully. And when a project upgrades from "overwhelming" to "we can do this," employee morale and proficiency improve. A more productive project creates a healthy and successful environment.
Transparency
"Transparency is the key ingredient for the successful running of any group" - Vijay Krishna
When managing projects, it can be difficult to communicate along the way. The PCM uses clear methods to define each phase and where teams are along the process. This equips leaders to communicate with stakeholders, partners, and interested parties relevant to the project. A transparent and effectively communicated project makes everyone happy and helps nurture expectations and goals.
The Phases of Project Cycle Management
The heart of project cycle management is its five phases. Each phase ensures successful stages that add up to one whole and complete project execution. This method is an organized and clean way to meet expectations on time and anticipate challenges along the way.
The phases of project cycel are:
Initiation
Planning and design
Execution
Monitoring and controlling
Closure
Initiation
Much like a seed sprouting to a plant, every project starts with a simple idea. The initiation phase nurtures that idea and develops the big picture, scope, and objective of the project. Managers will review the key project controls needed, areas for improvement before the start of the project, and develop an assessment of what it will take to complete the project.
Planning and Design
Like every good project, planning is essential. It's where ultimate results, preparedness for obstacles, and many crucial factors develop. A good plan makes a huge difference, and PCM focuses on creating a strong game plan focused on minimizing risks.
Execution
The longest stage in the project life cycle, execution is where the hard work gets done. This is the literal execution of the plan, where a team will work on the project to deliver a quality product. The previous phase clearly defines each step of the way.
Monitoring and Controlling
There is a best-case scenario, and there is a worst-case, and a good plan ensures managers can anticipate both. The monitoring and controlling phase is the walkthrough process that tracks progress to make sure problems are solved promptly and that the timeline is still positioned to meet its goal. This phase is all about balance, since too much control can take up too much time, and too little control can increase risk.
Closure
If a project isn't closed properly, it can continue to drain resources and cause unexpected problems. In a closure, a manager will lead the formal steps with his or her client to end and deliver the final project. This is an important step to gain feedback and assess how good the output is.
Take Your Career to New Heights
Project cycle management has proven to be an effective and growing method to produce successful results for projects all around the world and in hundreds of industries. When a professional decides to learn about the process in-depth, they equip themselves for a successful output and a better position for leadership roles.
Simplilearn is a leading organization that provides digital economic training. We drive innovation and accelerate careers for thousands of professionals like you. Today, you can sign up for the PMP Certification Training Course that prepares you for your PMP certification exam. When you use effective techniques like PCM, you can raise your career to a whole new level.
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