What are the 5 stages of project management?

The five phases of project management are:

  • Initiation: the project is defined and its feasibility assessed;
  • Planning: the project plan is developed including scope, timeline, and resources;
  • Execution: project activities are carried out and deliverables are created;
  • Monitoring and controlling: project performance is tracked and any necessary adjustments are made;
  • Closing: involves finalising all project activities, formally completing the project and disbanding the project team.

These 5 project management phases are described in detail in the PMBOK® Guide.

Last edited on: 16 Jun 2026
Can a project belong to more than one programme?
Do project managers write business cases?
How do you compare programme and project management?
How do you plan for a project or programme?
How hard is project management?
How is Agile PM different from traditional PM?
Is project management hard to learn?
Is Scrum Agile or waterfall?
What are KPIs in project management?
What are the 5 phases of the project life cycle?
What are the 5 stages of project management?
What are the 5 W's of project management?
What are the basics of project management?
What are the five phases of a project?
What are the phases of PM?
What are the three most important things in project management?
What do you mean by Agile project management?
What does the Gantt chart stand for?
What is a program vs project life cycle?
What is a project life cycle?
What is Agile PM vs waterfall PM?
What is Agile working in project management?
What is difference between project and program management?
What is project management in simple words?
What is the 80 20 rule for project managers?
What is the Agile methodology in project management?
What is the difference between Agile and waterfall?
What is the difference between enterprise change and project change?
What is the difference between PM and Agile?
What is the difference between programme & project management?
What is the difference between project and programme management?
What is the life cycle of a project?
What is the RACI matrix used for?
What is the triangle of project management?
What is WBS in project management?
What project management means?
See all Project management FAQs

Project Management related articles

What is the Association for Project Management (APM)?
What is the Association for Project Management (APM)?
image
Simon Buehring
The Association for Project Management (APM) is the UK’s chartered body advancing project management standards, membership and professional development.
Fixing and flexing in PRINCE2 Agile
Fixing and flexing in PRINCE2 Agile
image
Simon Buehring
Learn about the flexibility within the PRINCE2 framework to balance performance aspects effectively. Discover key strategies by reading further.
Project communication plans
Project communication plans
image
Knowledge Train
Project success heavily depends on having an effective project communication plan. Our thorough guide helps you create an effective strategy to keep stakeholders informed and proactive during every stage of your project.
PRINCE2 Agile book review
PRINCE2 Agile book review
image
Simon Buehring
Read our review of the official PRINCE2 Agile guidance manual and understand how it combines structured project management with Agile flexibility.
Tackling burnout: hidden drivers and sustainable solutions
Tackling burnout: hidden drivers and sustainable solutions
image
Simon Buehring
Explore what really drives project burnout and learn sustainable ways to protect wellbeing, energy, and long‑term performance.
Business case: definition, purpose, structure, and examples
Business case: definition, purpose, structure, and examples
image
Simon Buehring
A business case is a structured argument used to support decision-making, typically by justifying an investment, change, or project using evidence such as cost–benefit analysis, risks, and financial appraisal. Its purpose is to show why an option should be approved, what value it will deliver, and how benefits will be measured and realised.
Project management CV
Project management CV
image
Knowledge Train
Write a project management CV that helps you stand out from the crowd. This guide will show you how to present your skills and achievements. Keep reading to give your job application a boost.
PRINCE2 Agile certification
PRINCE2 Agile certification
image
Simon Buehring
Considering PRINCE2 Agile certification? Discover how it integrates PRINCE2 with Agile concepts to advance your project management skills.
PRINCE2 vs the PMBOK<sup>®</sup> Guide: A comparison
PRINCE2 vs the PMBOK® Guide: A comparison
image
Simon Buehring
This article offers a detailed comparison between PRINCE2 and the PMBOK® Guide, helping you understand their unique methods and frameworks. Scroll down for insights.
Risk management on projects
Risk management on projects
image
Knowledge Train
Discover how risk management on projects contributes to project success. Learn proven strategies to mitigate risks and increase the chance of achieving your project goals.
AI in Project Management: Hype vs Reality in 2025
AI in Project Management: Hype vs Reality in 2025
image
Knowledge Train
Scroll down to watch the video and explore how AI can enhance your project management skills today.
Project management podcasts
Project management podcasts
image
Knowledge Train
Selecting the right podcasts in project management can be a great way to gain advice and insight. Our list of the best project management podcasts will bring you some of the best views from the experts in the field.