Phase Gates
Phase gates (also called stage gates) are formal review points at the end of a project phase where authorized stakeholders evaluate the project's progress, deliverables, and business case to decide whether to continue, modify, or terminate the project.
Explanation
Phase gates serve as governance checkpoints that ensure a project remains viable and aligned with organizational objectives before committing additional resources to the next phase. At each gate, a review board or steering committee examines deliverables, costs, schedule performance, risk status, and the continued validity of the business case.
The gate review typically results in one of several decisions: proceed to the next phase as planned, proceed with modifications (e.g., reduced scope or additional resources), return to the current phase for rework, place the project on hold, or terminate the project. The specific criteria for each gate should be defined in the project governance plan before the project begins.
Phase gates are a core element of the predictive (waterfall) project life cycle, but they can also be applied in hybrid approaches where iterations occur within phases. They provide transparency to executives and sponsors, reduce the risk of investing heavily in a project that should be stopped, and create natural points for organizational learning.
Key Points
- •Formal review points between project phases
- •Authorized stakeholders make go/no-go decisions
- •Evaluate deliverables, cost, schedule, risk, and business case viability
- •Core element of predictive life cycles and governance frameworks
Exam Tip
Phase gate questions test whether you know that the decision to continue, modify, or stop a project is made by the sponsor or steering committee at these checkpoints, not by the project manager unilaterally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Kill Points
Kill points are predetermined decision points in a project life cycle where stakeholders have the explicit option to terminate the project based on performance, viability, or strategic relevance.
Project Governance
Project governance is the framework of authority, accountability, policies, and decision-making processes that guide a project from initiation through closure, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and stakeholder expectations.
Governance Framework
A governance framework is the structured set of policies, procedures, standards, roles, and responsibilities that an organization establishes to direct and control its projects, programs, and portfolios.
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