The project life cycle is a central element of development in the automotive industry. Thanks to the structured approach, projects are carried out efficiently and in a quality-conscious manner. This article highlights the five main phases of the project life cycle: start phase, planning phase, concept phase, development phase and completion.

Start phase

The start phase is the first phase of the project life cycle, in which the foundation stone for the entire project is laid. This phase serves to formulate the project idea and define the scope and objectives of the project.

  • Project initialisation: Definition of the project objectives, scope and basic requirements. This initialisation is crucial to create a clear understanding of the project vision.
  • Stakeholder identification: Identifying and analysing the relevant stakeholders to understand their expectations and requirements.
  • Feasibility analysis: Assessment of the technical and economic feasibility of the project to identify and address risks at an early stage.
  • Project assignment: Formal approval of the project, including the definition of budget and resources.

In the V-model, this phase begins on the left-hand side of the ‘V’, in which the stakeholders are identified and basic framework conditions are defined.

Planning phase

In the planning phase, the details of the project are worked out. The project is broken down into specific tasks and deadlines to ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the next steps.

  • Work breakdown structure (WBS): Detailed breakdown of the project into individual work packages. This includes the definition of system and software architectures as specified in the V-model under System Design and Software Design.
  • Scheduling: Definition of a schedule that includes all important milestones and deadlines. This schedule takes into account the development and verification steps according to the V-model.
  • Resource planning: Allocation of the required resources, including personnel, budget and tools.
  • Risk management: Identification of potential risks and planning of risk minimisation measures.

In this phase, project planning is developed to enable a smooth transition to the next phase.

Concept phase

The concept phase is used for the detailed elaboration and validation of the solution concepts designed in the planning stage. This phase is crucial to ensure that the planned solutions are feasible and effective.

  • Detailed requirements specification: Refinement and specification of the requirements
  • System and software architecture: Development of a comprehensive architectural design that translates the requirements into a specific solution. This phase includes the creation of detailed plans for the system components and their integration.
  • Architecture reviews:  Review and validation of the system and software architecture to ensure that the concepts are technically feasible.
  • Specification documentation: Creation of detailed documentation that forms the basis for the subsequent development phase.

In the V-model, this phase stands for the detailing of the left V-side, in which the requirements are increasingly specified.

Development phase

The development phase is the actual implementation phase of the project, in which the previously planned and specified solutions are developed.

  • Software development: realisation of the specified requirements in executable code. This includes the development of all necessary software modules and components.
  • Module and component testing: Performing tests at module level to ensure that each component functions as specified. These tests are used to verify correct implementation.
  • Integration and integration tests: Combining the various modules into a complete system and carrying out comprehensive integration tests.
  • System testing: Comprehensive testing of the entire system to ensure that it meets the functional and non-functional requirements.

The V-model defines this phase as the right-hand side of the "V", where the verification and validation activities take place to ensure that the developed components meet the requirements.

Closure

The final phase marks the formal end of the project. This is where the final tasks are completed and the project is officially finalised.

  • Acceptance tests and validation: Tests are carried out to ensure that the system fulfils all requirements and is ready for productive use.
  • Handover: Official handover of the finished product to the customer or end user, including training and handover of documentation.
  • Final project report: Documentation of the entire course of the project, including the goals achieved and the lessons learnt.
  • Lessons learnt: Reflection on the course of the project and documentation of the findings to improve future projects.

In the V-model, this phase marks the end of the project by checking the final validation of the system against the initial requirements and documenting the success of the project.

Summary

The project life cycle offers a structured and proven approach for the successful completion of development projects in the automotive industry. The clear structuring into the start, planning, concept, development and completion phases ensures that all relevant aspects of a project are covered. A carefully thought-out project life cycle is essential to minimise risks and maximise project success.