Final answer:
A project life cycle is the progression of phases in a project from beginning to end, consisting of preparatory, implementation, evaluation, and lessons learned stages. It can be sequential or iterative like a spiral design process, requiring flexibility and adaptability throughout.
Step-by-step explanation:
A project life cycle is the series of phases that a project passes through from its start to its completion. It provides the basic framework for managing the project and applies to all projects, regardless of the specific work involved. The phases include a Preparatory Phase, Implementation and Learning Phase, Program Evaluation Phase, and the Development of Lessons Learned. These phases may be experienced in a sequential, iterative, or overlapping manner.
The spiral design process is an example of an iterative approach where design is developed, prototyped, evaluated, and refined in repetitive cycles. This method allows for continual improvement based on feedback and testing, thus embodying a cyclical and evolutionary process. The sequential process, on the other hand, involves steps that follow one after the other without repetition.
It is essential to maintain flexibility during the life cycle of a project, as challenges and changes may arise that require adapting the project's course. This adaptability is particularly important during the realization phase, where the actual creation and implementation of the project's elements occur.