pp. 48-49
Major Phases
Figure 4.1 illustrates the major phases of a large project and how they play out over the project’s life. Near the center is a downward-pointing arrow labeled “Project Approval.” Activities to the left of that milestone are dedicated to Planning, in preparation of the decision to start or fund the project. The goal is to optimize the project plan -- to make it the best project it can be under the circumstances and constraints that may exist.



The major phases within planning are evaluation of the project (measured against some prescribed criteria), and definition of the project’s basis (design criteria, technical concept, execution plans, schedule and cost estimate).

Activities to the right of the “Project Approval” arrow are project implementation (executing the plan, or actually doing the project). Project implementation has four distinct phases:

• Engineering and procurement
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Commissioning and start-up

On the far right of Figure 4.1 is a bar called “Operations.” This element is not strictly part of the project, but, during the early part of operations, a remnant of the project team often works closely with the operational personnel running the new facility to make sure it works as it should.

Successful project teams develop a sound, well-defined basis during planning. When they cross the great divide into implementation, they stop optimizing and tinkering with the plan or the concept. Instead they concentrate on getting the job done and solving any problems that get in their way.