Phases of a Project Management Process: Preparation
Initiation
This phase determines the scope of the project by assessing the business environment and incorporating necessary controls. If this stage shows significant flaws, then it is unlikely that the resulting processes will achieve their desired goals. Make sure you have a clear goal established. The more concrete you are, the easier it will be to select a team and start the critical brainstorming process.
Planning and Design
In the Planning & Design phase, details such as costs, resources and time required are determined with the help of tools such as a Gantt chart. Proper and detailed planning can often increase the chance of success as the project continues. Communication is critical in this stage. The project manager should determine whether to include the full team or to establish a smaller planning committee to represent the team members.
Team Planning
Walt Disney said, "Of all the things I've done, the most vital is coordinating the talents of those who work for us and pointing them towards a certain goal." So if you have not already assembled your team, evaluate individuals who would be a strong part of the team. Individual members can vary from project to project, but those involved in a project should have a set of strengths to be able to help ensure success.
During this phase, there may be some teambuilding activities or other informal meetings so the team members can get to know each other, particularly if the team has not worked together before. Here you should lay out the ground rules. Are you going to meet weekly? How is the best way to communicate, ask questions and provide updates? If problems crop up, how will these be handled and escalated, if necessary?
Also establish who will receive reports and where pertinent information on that project will be stored. Preferably it will be in an area where team members can easily access the information, reducing unnecessary data chasing.
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Exploring an Array of Methodologies 
