What’s a Project Phase?
Project phases are divisions within a project where extra control is needed to effectively manage the completion of the output. Project phases are normally completed sequentially; however, they can overlap in some cases.
The need and the number of phases and the degree of control depend on the size, complexity, and potential impact of the project.
The project phases are an element of the project life cycle.
According to PMBOK Guide 5th Edition, the process groups are not project phases. It is possible to conduct all process groups within a phase. Because projects are separated into distinct phases or subcomponents, such as concept development, feasibility study, design, prototype, and test, the process groups are normally repeated for each phase or subcomponent.