stagebystage

Stage-by-stage, sometimes written as stage by stage or stagebystage, is a methodical approach that progresses through a series of discrete phases or steps. Each stage has defined objectives, inputs, outputs, and exit criteria, and the project advances only after a stage is completed and approved. The term is used across fields to describe sequential, milestone-driven processes.

It appears in business and project management to describe phased product development, in education to structure curricula, and in engineering and change management to govern deployment and transition. Related concepts include stage-gate processes, phased development, and waterfall-like models, though stage-by-stage systems may incorporate feedback loops and iterative revisions between stages.

Typical features include explicit stage definitions, governance gates, evaluation criteria, and decision points. Risk is managed by limiting exposure to the next stage until prior work is verified, resources are allocated based on stage outcomes, and stakeholders review progress before continuing.

Advantages include improved clarity, risk containment, and incremental progress. Limitations can include reduced flexibility, longer cycle times, and potential rigidity if exit criteria are poorly defined. In rapidly changing environments, hybrid approaches blending stage-by-stage with iterative elements are common.

See also: stage-gate process, phased approach, project management lifecycle, waterfall model.