Map a project lifecycle

Outline key phases, gates, and decision points tailored to delivery context and governance needs.

  • Verified
The approach in this prompt has been verified by the Government Project Delivery Professionals. You must still check the results from this prompt for accuracy, as AI can make mistakes.

What this prompt does

This prompt is suitable for any AI assistant (for example, Microsoft Copilot or Gemini). 

The prompt will:

  • outline a generic project lifecycle
  • support planning and stakeholder engagement
  • group the lifecycle into distinct phases
  • include key stage gates and decision points

Before you start

Before you use this prompt, replace text in square brackets:

  • [PROGRAM] for example [digital transformation programme]
  • [DEPARTMENT] for example [HMRC]
  • [DELIVERY CONSTRAINTS] for example [fixed budget or immovable deadline]
  • [PROGRAMME MILESTONES] for example [start of development, first user testing]
  • [GOVERNANCE MODEL] for example [waterfall or agile]
  • [PROJECT STAGES AND DECISION POINTS] for example [discovery, alpha, beta]
  • upload relevant documents (for example, programme milestones, governance model)
Do not upload any personal or official information to free tools, or any tool not advised by your department. If you are unsure, check with your digital team.

After the prompt has run, use follow-up questions to add detail, tailor to the intended delivery method or align with governance.

The prompt

Copy prompt Map a project lifecycle 
                //Goal 

Generic project lifecycle for a programme [PROGRAM] in the [DEPARTMENT].

//Context

You are a veteran business analyst.

I need a project lifecycle which will be used to support planning and stakeholder engagement for the programme (e.g. digital transformation initiative). It should reflect good practice in programme delivery and assurance and be suitable for adaptation across departments.

//Source

Use guidance from The Teal Book, particularly on delivery approaches, assurance activities, project gates, and decision points.

Project details:
* [DELIVERY CONSTRAINTS]
* [PROGRAMME MILESTONES]
* [GOVERNANCE MODEL]
* [PROJECT STAGES AND DECISION POINTS]

//Expected output

Present the lifecycle as a structured list of bullet points grouped into phases (e.g. Discovery, Alpha, Beta, Live, etc.). 

Include key stage gates and decision points for each phase. 

//Style and tone

The format should be clear and professional, suitable for inclusion in planning documents and stakeholder briefings.

Content created: 18 November 2025 | Last updated: 23 November 2025

Support and Resources

Here are the relevant guidance pages for using prompts:

Get in touch

Email ai-knowledge-hub@dsit.gov.uk to share feedback about this prompt.