Note: While the model in the diagram is for larger development projects, shorter or "light" versions exist for lower risk projects.
Following each stage is a gate or a Go/Kill decision point, as shown in the overview above. Gates serve as quality control check points, Go/Kill and prioritization decisions points, and points where the path forward and resources for the next stage of the project are agreed upon.
Each gate has a set of defined deliverables – what the project leader and team bring to the decision point.
Each gate also features criteria for Go, against which the project is judged. These include must meet criteria (a checklist) designed to weed out bad projects quickly; and should meet criteria that are scored and are used to prioritize projects.
Finally, the outputs of each gate are a decision (Go/Kill/Hold/Recycle) and if Go, an approved action plan for the next stage, complete with resources committed.