Initiate Phase of Project vs. Planning Phase of Project

Attribute	Initiate Phase of Project	Planning Phase of Project
Objective	Define project goals and objectives	Develop detailed project plan
Stakeholder Analysis	Identify key stakeholders	Engage stakeholders in planning process
Scope	Define project scope	Develop scope statement and WBS
Resources	Identify initial resource requirements	Allocate resources and create resource plan
Risks	Identify initial project risks	Perform risk analysis and develop risk management plan

Overview

When embarking on a new project, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the different phases involved in its execution. Two crucial phases in any project are the Initiate Phase and the Planning Phase. While both phases are essential for the success of a project, they serve different purposes and have distinct attributes that set them apart.

Initiate Phase

The Initiate Phase is the first phase of a project where the project is formally authorized and kicked off. During this phase, the project team is assembled, and the project manager is assigned. The main goal of the Initiate Phase is to define the project at a broad level and obtain approval to proceed with the project. This phase involves identifying the project stakeholders, defining the project scope, and establishing the project objectives.

Additionally, in the Initiate Phase, the project manager conducts a feasibility study to determine if the project is viable and aligns with the organization's goals. This phase also involves creating a project charter, which outlines the project's purpose, objectives, and scope. The Initiate Phase sets the foundation for the project and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on the project's goals and objectives.

Planning Phase

The Planning Phase comes after the Initiate Phase and involves detailed planning of the project. During this phase, the project team works on developing a comprehensive project plan that outlines the project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risks. The Planning Phase is crucial as it sets the roadmap for the project and ensures that all project activities are well-defined and organized.

One of the key activities in the Planning Phase is creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), which breaks down the project into smaller, manageable tasks. The project team also develops a project schedule, resource plan, and risk management plan during this phase. The Planning Phase is essential for ensuring that the project is well-organized and that all team members are clear on their roles and responsibilities.

Comparison

• The Initiate Phase focuses on defining the project at a high level, while the Planning Phase involves detailed planning of the project.
• In the Initiate Phase, the project team is assembled and the project manager is assigned, while in the Planning Phase, the project team works on developing a comprehensive project plan.
• The Initiate Phase sets the foundation for the project and ensures alignment among stakeholders, while the Planning Phase sets the roadmap for the project and ensures that all project activities are well-defined.
• During the Initiate Phase, a feasibility study is conducted to determine the project's viability, while in the Planning Phase, a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is created to break down the project into smaller tasks.
• The Initiate Phase results in the creation of a project charter, while the Planning Phase results in a detailed project plan that includes the project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risks.

Conclusion

Both the Initiate Phase and the Planning Phase are essential for the success of a project. While the Initiate Phase sets the foundation for the project and ensures alignment among stakeholders, the Planning Phase involves detailed planning of the project and sets the roadmap for its execution. By understanding the attributes of each phase and their distinct roles, project managers can effectively navigate through the project lifecycle and increase the chances of project success.