1. Starting – Make sure you’re following the detailed steps of project initiation and project authorization, as well as getting the sign-offs you need.

2. Organizing & preparing – Half the battle of the project is won in the prep stages. Set the proper groundwork with scope definition process, project management planning process, risk assessment process, project scope management plan, and project management plan.

3. Doing the work – Follow this stage’s tried-and-true steps to execute and monitor the process, decide if the plan needs changing, and follow the change control process (if needed).

4. Ending – The close out process will become a well-oiled machine and your future projects will benefit if you closely follow these steps.