What typically follows the initiation phase in project management?

In project management, after the initiation phase, the planning phase typically follows. This stage is crucial because it involves defining the project’s objectives, outlining the scope, and developing a detailed plan that guides the project team in execution. During the planning phase, project managers create schedules, allocate resources, identify risks, and establish communication protocols to ensure all stakeholders are aligned and informed.

This phase sets the groundwork for successful execution by carefully outlining how to achieve the project's goals. It ensures that everyone involved has a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and the timeline for deliverables. In contrast, the execution phase focuses on implementing the plan, the monitoring phase involves tracking progress and performance against the plan, and the closing phase is concerned with finalizing all project activities and formally closing the project. Thus, the transition from initiation to planning is a vital step to ensure that a project is well-organized and set up for success.