The Project Cycle

The project cycle has six stages, each stage links with the preceding one and leads forward to the next one. PCM integrates the stages of the cycle so that issues are examined systematically. This system makes the project concept and context in which it operates clear and visible and therefore enables better monitoring and evaluation.
The stages of the project cycle provide a structure that ensures that:
• problem analysis is thorough
• stakeholders are clearly identified and monitored
• quality assurance is built in
• objectives are relevant to problems and clearly stated
• outputs and objectives are logical and measurable
• beneficiaries' strengths and weaknesses have been identified
• assumptions are taken into account
• monitoring concentrates on verifiable targets and outputs
• evaluations identify 'lessons learnt' and integrates them into the cycle for similar succeeding projects
• sustainability is defined, not essentially by 'organizational continuity', but primarily by the continuous 'flow of benefits'
Project Cycle Management Stages

1. Programme:
• review of local social and economic conditions
• review of relevant local and central government policies and initiatives
• community strategy undertaken and project criteria developed
2. Identification:
• definition of a project problem
• stakeholder analysis
• problem and objective assessment
• strategy options explored and decided
• quality assurance undertaken
3. Formulation:
• develop the Logical Framework
• assessment of impact and sustainability
• review of the prepared project for institutional capacity, costs and
• benefits
• prepare project proposal
• prepare budget and provide a set of financial ratios
• quality assurance undertaken
4. Appraisal & Commitment:
• agreement by partners to support the project
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