How the Phased Approach is Used in Project Management by Different Industries

This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice or consultation.

Phased Approach 

The phased approach is used when the project is divided into distinct phases and each phase has its own set of objectives, deliverables, and timelines. This approach helps project managers organize and manage complex projects more efficiently by breaking them down into more manageable parts.  

The application of a phased approach to project management can vary across different industries due to their unique characteristics, requirements, and complexities. It is important for project managers to recognize what is unique about the industry they are working in and execute specific phases that will generate more desirable project deliverables. I’m going to discuss how the phased approach can vary in different industries like construction, event management, and software development.  

Construction Industry 

In the construction industry, the phased approach includes stages such as planning, design, procurement, construction, and handover. These phases align with the nature of construction projects, where each phase builds upon the completion of the previous one. The phases in construction projects are often characterized by deliverables like drawings, permits, procurement, and completed construction milestones. This industry heavily emphasizes risk management, safety, and compliance with building codes and regulations. Risk assessment and mitigation strategies play a crucial role in each phase, and inspections and quality control are required to ensure adherence to standards. The phased approach helps manage the complexity of construction projects by breaking the process down into manageable stages.   

Event Management Industry 

In event management, the phases of a project may vary depending on the size and scope of the event. Typical phases may include concept development, planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation. The event management industry operates in a more iterative and flexible manner where the phases may overlap based on client feedback or changing circumstances. Events are usually time-bound and require direct coordination of elements like venue selection, vendor management, logistics, marketing, and engagement. The phases in this industry focus on deliverables like event plans, contracts, marketing materials, and event execution. Using lessons learned from post-event evaluation and feedback are crucial for the project to continue to improve.   

Software Development Industry 

In the software development industry, a phased approach will follow a lifecycle that includes the collection, design, development, testing, and deployment of requirements. This approach is also known as the Waterfall model and each phase builds upon the completion of the previous one which results in a linear progression from one stage to another. The software development industry has embraced a more iterative and agile methodology. Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban focus on short iterations, continuous feedback, and adapting to changing requirements. These methodologies divide work into smaller increments that allow for some flexibility and increased collaboration with stakeholders during the development process.  This industry emphasizes frequent tests, quality assurance, and user feedback. Deliverables like functional requirements, wireframes, user interfaces, code modules, and software releases all generate phases in the phased approach.