ABSTRACT
The Definition Stage is the third and last stage in the Development Phase. The project detailed plan (PDP) is partially about providing the scope definition and scope details. The team must establish the control reference points, or baselines, with a focus on the time-phased budget. In certain industries, the deliverable might be the responsibility of the sponsor, who would complete the application for final approval with information from the PDP. The detailed time and cost estimates are also part of the PDP. Cost estimating is one area which is often oversimplified or misunderstood, even on major projects. For proper estimating, a work breakdown structure (WBS), is a great tool to use as a starting point. A WBS provides details of the project scope and work packages. Human resource planning is about preparing for the staffing requirement of the project's upcoming stages: numbers, timing of when to join or leave the project, among other factors.
