Phasesinitiation

Phasesinitiation is a term used to describe the formal starting point of a discrete phase within a larger phased or stage-gated process. It marks the transition from planning or prior activities to execution for that phase, and it establishes the scope, objectives, and governance that will guide the work during the phase.

In practice, phasesinitiation occurs across domains such as project management, systems engineering, product development, and clinical research. While the exact terminology varies, the concept centers on authorizing resources, confirming deliverables, and setting success criteria before execution begins.

Typically, a phasesinitiation involves a go/no-go decision, a kickoff or launch meeting, and the creation of baseline documents. These may include a phase plan, a risk and issue log, a resource plan, a quality plan, and a schedule with milestones. It also defines roles, responsibilities, governance structures, and communication protocols for the phase.

Framed within a stage-gate or phase-gate model, phasesinitiation serves as the boundary that constrains scope and aligns stakeholders before work proceeds. Critics note that excessive initiation requirements can introduce delays or bureaucracy if criteria are unclear or not updated.

See also: stage-gate model; phase gate; project initiation; kickoff meeting.