Once the project is launched by being selected by the approval committee, it is time
to carefully plan the project. The project manager will follow a set of project management
guidelines, sometimes referred to as the project management life cycle, as
he or she organizes, guides, and directs the project from inception to completion.
Generally speaking, the project management phases consist of initiation, planning,
execution, control, and closure.
In large organizations or on large projects, the role of project manager is commonly
filled by a professional specialist in project management. In smaller organizations
or on smaller projects, the systems analyst may fill this role. The project manager
must make a myriad of decisions regarding the project, including determining the best
project methodology, developing a work plan for the project, determining a staffing
plan, and establishing mechanisms to coordinate and control the project.