Project cycle management (PCM) is a technique that has been developed over many years with the goal of organising and managing projects according to guiding principles and predetermined phases. From the project’s conception to its planning and execution, this procedure is covered.

The cycle has a lot of advantages. You can anticipate:

• Clear objectives that may be measured
• Risk-reward calculations
• Efficient handling of resources
• Improved productivity reduces time and costs and increases the possibility of fulfilling expectations
• Faster completion and delivery of projects on schedule

Learn everything there is to know about PCM and how it can benefit your projects in this article.

How to Manage a Project’s Cycle?

By emphasising an effective system with a well-organized framework, PCM strengthens the project life cycle. It is broken down into phases that are planned for clarity, measurable goals and expectations, and widespread use. Before going on to the following phase, each one functions much like a chapter in a book. This guarantees higher-quality results and fulfilment of the project’s agreed-upon requirements.
The new phase begins when the previous one is finished. They can advance from their starting point until the entire project is completed as a project manager or other professional guides his or her team through each phase.

Basic project management principles are applied in project cycle management. It focuses the project’s organisational structure, each phase’s specific goals, transparency, risk awareness, and various other elements.

Using PCM for the project life cycle results in a cost-effective, coordinated approach that produces high-quality deliverables on schedule.

Project Cycle Management: Why?

The feeling of impending doom that comes with a big assignment is one that many professionals have encountered. Sometimes it seems unattainable, especially when past difficulties with similar ventures have been severe. Many factors might cause problems when dealing with a team, a severe deadline, numerous partners, and varied economic risks.

Project cycle management is a tried-and-true method for reducing risk and producing more useful solutions. Professionals can confidently manage projects using PCM throughout the entire project cycle.

We use project cycle management for three key reasons.

• Simplicity
• Enhanced productivity
• Transparency

Simplicity
The project is made simpler by the project cycle management approach. Simplicity is essential when there are many moving parts in a complex situation. Process simplification by leaders produces better outcomes that ultimately result in success. PCM divides the procedure into steps.

Enhanced Productivity
Effective productivity is crucial for cutting costs, saving time, and raising quality. Teams can successfully complete the project when the PCM phases make the process simpler. Employee morale and competence rise when a project moves from “overwhelming” to “we can accomplish this.” A successful and productive atmosphere is produced by a more productive project.

Transparency
It can be challenging to communicate while leading a project. Each step of the PCM is clearly defined, along with the teams’ current status, using these approaches. This enables project leaders to interact with partners, stakeholders, and other interested parties. Everyone benefits from a project that is open and well-communicated and that fosters expectations and objectives.

The Logical Framework Approach: What Is It?

A popular and highly effective strategy for project management and strategic planning is the logical framework approach (LFA). It is advantageous for water management and sanitation projects given the range of water uses that compete with one another and the available resource base. For assessing and resolving planning problems as well as building and maintaining solutions, it comes with a full suite of tools (the approach). The end result of this analytical technique is the log frame (the matrix), which outlines what the project plans to do and how it will be done, what the key assumptions are, and how outputs and results will be monitored and judged.