PROJECT LIFE CYCLE PHASES/VARIOUS STAGES IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROJECT

The various stages in construction can be discussed under the following heads:

(a) The Conceptual or Initiation Stage. Either due to the entrepreneurial efforts of individuals or
groups or to satisfy the needs of society, many construction projects take shape. Many of the major
projects undertaken in the series of five year plans are for satisfying the various needs of society.
Whatever may be the source from which good ideals crop up for starting welfare projects, it has to
be constantly nurtured so that it will reach the completion stage.

(b) Analysis and Development of the Idea. Whatever ideas put forth in the initiation stage have to be
further analysed regarding the cost of the projects and the benefits that will accrue. Initial surveys
have to be conducted and cost estimates are to be prepared. Feasibility studies have to be carried
out so that the project is economically viable. If it is a social welfare project, then the social utility
of the project will be of prime consideration. Once the project becomes acceptable, then the
sources of funding the project have to be found out.

(c) Design Stage. This is an important stage in the implementation of the project. Necessary field
investigations and surveys are conducted. Then the design and drawings for the various elements
of the project are prepared. The final estimate is then prepared. Land acquisition is a ticklish
problem in many projects. Necessary efforts are to be initiated so that the required area of land is
obtained without much trouble. Appropriate designs are to be finalised during this stage itself. Any
changes made at a later stage will affect the economy of the project.

(d) Awarding the Contract for Construction. Necessary tender documents are prepared and the
tender is finally awarded to a contractor who has successfully executed similar major projects in
the past and his tender is also economically competitive.

(e) The Construction Stage. This stage requires the maximum skills from the project manager so that
the project is executed in time, follows the main designs evolved at the design stage, keeping cost
effective methods and adopting the necessary safety precautions. Sometimes, due to variations in
site conditions, suitable changes in design may be necessary. It is the construction phase of the
project that calls for the maximum coordination between the various agencies concerned with the
implementation of the Project.

(f) Putting the Completed Facility into use and Keeping up Continuous Maintenance. Some of
the projects can be put into use, when certain parts of it are completed. When the full project is put
into use, the factors regarding the maintenance are to be carefully considered. Many a times,
projects completed with great efforts and huge costs are not able to give the fullest benefits
because continuous maintenance of the facility is not provided.