This is the fifth article from our upcoming book. It is also part 3 of explaining the SUKAD Customizable and Adaptable Methodology for Managing Projects™ (CAM²P™) – focusing on the other of the elements.

In the first articles we discussed project phases. In the second article we discussed project stages.
Dear Ahmad,
In this figure we expand from what we discussed during our last meeting. It’s a lot clearer because it isn’t drawn by hand.
As we already discussed, the top layer is what we call the Project Phases and CAM2P emphasize 3 phases. Others might prefer 4 phases but we prefer this approach (the 3 phases) for many reasons, which I can explain in the future.
We did also discuss the project stages and that is on the bottom of the image. These are the six stages that we explained earlier.
In the middle we have the chevron symbols with colors matching (or slightly different shade) to the phase and stage. The text in these chevrons represent what we are doing or need to accomplish in that stage or sub-stage. For example, in the project definition stage we will work on project detailed planning and produce the Project Detailed Plan (a project deliverable).
In addition to the above, notice that I added stage gates (the shapes with numbers) and main deliverables (the upward arrows). Review them and we can discuss it when you’re ready.
If you recall we had discussed the stage gates before and you were asking “how many gates”, as you can see in the basic model that we present here there are eight stage gates. However, remember the name of the methodology “Customizable and Adaptable” that means depend on industry or organization the number of gates could be more or less.
The deliverables, are usually documents, reports, plans that we produce and have to present to management for review at the stage gate; like the Project Detailed Plan that we mentioned earlier.
Before I forget, I know you said the project is a community center, but I really want you to think intensely about that idea and try to write-up some notes describing your vision for the center. That would be the starting point for discussion during our next visit together. To help you define your project, just think of SMART goals. Do you remember our discussion on SMART goals?
I also would like you to think of the big picture. The objective of the project life span is to show you a systematic way to go through the maze of project management from the idea (starting point – maze entrance) to project close (coming out of the maze).
My regards to you and George.
Your friend, Qudss