PMcrunch

There is an interesting aspect to the relationship between processes and projects.  Where processes are what keep a business flowing on a day to day basis, projects are what puts new processes in place, re-shapes existing processes, or replaces a process. Processes have life cycles, and virtually all processes have a finite life. Thus projects have a very definite place in the life cycle of processes.

Consider that all processes have a life cycle, lasting from inception of the idea to retirement. Think about the fact that the life cycles of a product, a manufacturing process, or an information system all follow a similar life cycle pattern, although they certainly all vary in the length and shape of any given phase in the life cycle. Projects of different types can occur at various stages within this life cycle.

For purposes of illustration, it is helpful to think about the product life cycle, as the phases and shapes are pretty much the same for the life cycle of any business process. In “The Product Life Cycle” at QuickMBA , the following diagram illustrates what happens typically in the life of a product.

From a project management perspective, projects can happen throughout the product life cycle. For example, the following table shows some of the types of projects that can exist ate each stage.

There are many things that can be done to affect the parameters surrounding the Product Life Cycle Diagram. Here are a few that directly reference the diagram:

Of course, these actions are PROJECTS! The strategy behind it would be to look for ways improve performance throughout the life cycle. These are just a few ideas and framework for thinking about project initiation, how to initiate projects around the product life cycle, and having perspective about where in the product life cycle your project lies.

____________________________

John Reiling, PMP

Project Management Training Online

Lean Six Sigma Training Online