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: 20 May 2025


Project Management related articles

APM qualification cost
APM qualification cost
image
Learn about the hidden costs associated with APM courses, including typical exam and material fees. Read on to plan your budget effectively.
image
PRINCE2 Agile resources
image
For this article we have curated the best resources about PRINCE2 Agile, including those from Keith Richards, the author of PRINCE2 Agile, and an agile thought-leader in the UK.
image
Free project management courses to boost your career
image
Explore our curated list of 6 websites offering free project management courses. These resources can help you develop valuable skills and advance your career. Start learning today!
image
RAID in project management
image
Discover the essential RAID framework in project management. Learn how this approach helps teams anticipate challenges and make informed decisions, improving project success rates.
image
Project management glossary
image
Discover essential project management terminology in our glossary. Gain clarity on crucial concepts and boost your project management skills as you explore our detailed guide.
image
Project management lessons learned
image
Uncover crucial project management lessons from past experiences. Explore practical strategies to enhance your project outcomes and team efficiency. Read on to transform your approach.
PRINCE2 Agile certification
PRINCE2 Agile certification
image
Considering PRINCE2 Agile certification? Discover how it integrates PRINCE2 with Agile concepts to advance your project management skills.
image
10 essential project management roles
image
Explore the 10 vital project management roles that drive success. Understanding these positions and their responsibilities is essential for building high-performing teams and delivering outstanding results.
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)®
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)® – Book Review
image
Explore a thorough review of the PMBOK® Guide - Seventh Edition, detailing its relevance and use in project management. Read on to assess its value for your projects.
Developing your project management career
Developing your project management career
image
In this webinar, Richard Tulley explores the most effective ways to advance in project management.
Starting a project management career: Free ebook
Starting a project management career: Free ebook
image
Start your project management career with our free ebook. Learn about pathways and qualifications necessary for success in the field.
Managing small projects
Managing small projects
image
Can large project management practices be scaled down? Explore the application of these practices in smaller projects by reading further.

This website use cookies.