Phase Gate Placement: Start vs. End of Phase
PMBOK v8 Definition
Phase gates are review points that check whether desired outcomes or exit criteria for a phase have been achieved before proceeding. While traditionally placed at the end of each phase, phase gates can also be placed at the start of each phase (pre-phase gates). These starting phase gates help ensure the project is properly aligned, that sufficient resources and planning are in place, and that potential risks are addressed before progressing further.
Why It Matters for the Exam
Phase gate placement is frequently tested in PMI exam questions about project life cycle governance and control mechanisms. Questions often appear in the "Planning" and "Monitoring and Controlling" performance domains, testing your understanding of when and why different gate placements are used. The exam specifically tests whether you know that gates can exist both before and after phases, not just at the end.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Two Placement Options: Phase gates can be placed at the end of a phase (traditional) OR at the start of a phase (pre-phase gate)
- Pre-Phase Gate Purpose: Ensures alignment, sufficient resources, adequate planning, and risk identification before proceeding
- Decision Types: Go/no-go, continue with modification, end project/phase, remain in phase, repeat phase/elements, or park project temporarily
- Entry Criteria: Pre-phase gates check entry criteria for moving into the next phase
- Exit Criteria: End-of-phase gates check that exit criteria have been achieved before proceeding
- Common Names: Also called stage gate, gate review, iteration review, or decision point review
- Organizational Standard: Organizations with multiple projects often adopt standard project life cycles with prescribed gate placement
Typical PMI Exam Example
A project manager is planning a complex software development project. The organization has a standard project life cycle with phase gates at the end of each phase. The sponsor requests an additional checkpoint before the execution phase begins to verify resource availability. The project manager should recommend placing a pre-phase gate at the start of the execution phase to review alignment, resources, and risks before proceeding.
PMI Exam Traps
-
Trap: Thinking phase gates only occur at the end of phases Reality: PMBOK v8 explicitly states gates can be placed at the start of phases (pre-phase gates)
-
Trap: Confusing phase gates with milestones Reality: Phase gates involve formal reviews and decisions (go/no-go), while milestones are simply scheduled events
-
Trap: Believing all phase gates require the same review criteria Reality: Gates can check entry criteria (pre-phase) OR exit criteria (end-of-phase), depending on placement
-
Trap: Assuming phase gates always result in "go" or "no-go" Reality: Decisions include: continue, continue with modification, end, remain, repeat, or park the project
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Project Life Cycle | Contains phase gates | Gates connect phases and enable value delivery from start to end |
| Phase Attributes | Input to gate review | Attributes include name, duration, resource requirements, entry criteria, exit criteria |
| Close Project or Phase | Output from phase gate | Finalizes activities and confirms value achieved before proceeding |
| Business Documents | Compared at gate review | Performance compared to project and business documents specifying expectations |
Quick Review Questions
- Where can phase gates be placed in a project life cycle according to PMBOK v8?
- What is the primary purpose of a pre-phase gate placed at the start of a phase?
- List three possible decisions that can result from a phase gate review.
- What attributes are used to describe phases in a life cycle?
- How do pre-phase gates enhance project control and success?
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 2 – Project Management Performance Domains (Life Cycle context) and Section 2.1.6.9 (Close Project or Phase). The specific content on phase gate placement appears in the context of project life cycle phases and their attributes.