Final answer:
The highest level of conflict in the project lifecycle occurs during the execution stage, where the complexity of putting plans into action may lead to increased tensions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total level of conflict in the project lifecycle is highest during the execution stage. This phase is where plans are put into action, and it is often when resource allocation problems, differing personal agendas, and unforeseen project changes can lead to heightened tensions among team members, stakeholders, and project management.
During the planning stage, conflict levels are generally lower as the project blueprint is being developed, but as the vision is executed in the execution stage, the complexity of real-world application may introduce challenges that were not fully anticipated, leading to disputes and the necessity for conflict resolution. As for the project build-up stage, although conflict can arise, it typically does not reach the intensity found in the execution phase. Finally, the evaluation stage may have some conflict over the interpretation of results, but since the project is mostly completed by this point, the level is typically reduced compared to the execution stage.