ABSTRACT
In Chapter 3 the purpose and advantages of dividing a project into life cycle stages have been explained. These include breaking a project into manageable chunks, enabling project control and associated risks at each stage, allocating appropriate skills and management roles at each stage, and enabling progressive development. It was also discussed that the terminology and phasing of the project life cycle may vary according to the type of project and its area of application. In this chapter we aim to address the specific phasing, characteristics and key processes involved in typical R&D projects. Let us now begin by drawing a contrast between the life cycle characteristics of a traditional form of project (e.g. a construction project) and a contemporary R&D project, as summarised in Table 4.1. Comparison of project life cycles https://www.niso.org/standards/z39-96/ns/oasis-exchange/table">
Stages of project life cycle
Typical construction project/programme
Typical R&D project/programme
Project Definition
Usually clear cut, given and defined scope
Highly flexible, creative and dynamic
Project Planning (Design)
Follows directly from project definition
Only done after evaluation of technology and a preliminary trial of discovery
Project Planning (Appraisal)
Primary criteria are cost–benefit analysis and return on investment
Additional criteria include risk, competitive advantage and portfolio management
Project Implementation (Organisation)
Usually formal structure with clear responsibilities for project manager, team members and contractors
Often with far-reaching collaborative partnerships and multiple sponsors and project teams
Project Implementation (Control)
More rigid control of budget, schedule and quality standards
Higher flexibility and tolerance of cost, time and outcomes
Project Implementation (Risk)
Managed through critical path and risk register
More dynamic risk assessment supported by tests and clinical trials
Project Closure
Structured build, install, operate and handover processes
Often requires extensive trials and regulatory approval before delivery to the market
Transfer between stages
Well-defined governance of transfer and sign-off between stages of project life cycle
Usually flexible governance of technology transfer from research to development and also between stages
Attitude to details
It is all about control
Important, but also see the ‘big picture’ around the programme
