Of the phases outlined on Slide 10 of Lecture 2.1, I would argue the planning process is most important. Simultaneous operations and sequential tasks during the execution phase were some of the most heavily scrutinized in my previous job. This was for good reason, as incomplete planning may have led to degradation of equipment that risked delays on our critical path for a new reactor construction project. The consequences can be larger than simple delays, as working in a reactive environment for medical or pharmaceutical device development can lead to compliance issues, or even endanger patients if considerations are inadequate with supplier tolerances, process upsets, etc.

I think the planning process is the most important period. I used to attend a project about biodegradable plastic. Although I didn't truly participate in project management, I worked with my supervisor and learned a lot. It was the early phase of our project. We need to process and modify the experience according to the weekly meeting. We must ensure that every experience has time to practice and every sample is tested. Arranging the time with the testing center between experiences is the critical point of this plan. Since we will coat the bio-degradable plastic on the paper bowl, any toxic component shouldn't be detected. If we miss any samples or the test, the whole production line must be reassembled. So following up on the plan can help us launch the production earlier, increasing our marketing share.

Posted by: @jbdoddo1

planning process is most important.

I have a difference of opinion, I do agree that Planning the Project would be the most important phase, But I feel the initiation phase holds slightly more importance. Like it was said in the Lecture, We Need not Reinvent the wheel. Chances are, the resources we need already exist, and this would greatly impact the planning phase and the entire project.

If a company plans to develop a new device, checking their old records for the design team, validation team, budget sheets, etc.. would help them plan better.

I would have to argue that the executing phase is the most important process. This is the process where everything that can go wrong, most likely will go wrong. I feel as if, because this phase is more practical, that people tend to think this will come naturally as a result of the planning phase. But as mentioned within our Lecture 2.1 slide 49, if your project team lacks communication and decent communication plan, then the project is more likely doomed; even if the planning, initiating and controlling processes are executed perfectly, without a solid team that communicates, checks in on project progress and efficiently monitors project progression, it would have all been for nothing. Hence why I think, the execution phase is the most important, as I believe many underestimate the actual work that goes into this particular phase, and that underestimation causes the most damage to their overall project success.

I have worked on several projects within the industry and while I believe that the most important phase is close between the initiating and planing phase, I would have to say that the planning phase is the most important. I considered the initiation phase in my answer because its very important to have a professional and organized project manager and that selection occurs in the initiation phase. The project manager would be heavily involved in the planning phase of-course so this is why I believe the initiation phase is also vital.

As for the planning phase, depending on the size of the project and the company, this is the most important phase as it serves to be the foundation or base of the project. Although it may seem like the project manager has all the responsibility in this phase, there are other positions that have large roles in this planning phase as well. As with many things in life (not only industrial projects), the base or master plan has to be as strong as possible for the best results to follow and I believe this is the same case in an industrial setting. 

I am interested to hearing more opinions on this matter! 

I do agree with the majority opinion in this discussion that the planning process is very important in the project life cycle. If done well and thoroughly, the executing phase will run smoothly and with minor obstacles. However I will say that the monitoring and controlling phase also has a significant role in the project life cycle. This phase is generally done throughout the whole project life cycle process in order to ensure things are running smoothly. Though a well thought out planning process will prevent most issues occurring in the execution of the project, it is not possible to see every potential issue that could arise. There are plenty of external and internal factors that could pose a hindrance to the progression and possibly even the budget required for the project. The way I see how this process is viewed as is what my professor for my senior project (capstone) would always tell our group while we were in the planning process: "Expect that everything and anything will go wrong." Though it is a bit pessimistic, having this while going through the execution stage of our project, we were able to execute that monitoring and controlling phase throughout as to not miss any problems that arose during our project. It also allowed us to catch and tackle issues early on that may otherwise have been more severe and difficult to resolve if not dealt with. The monitoring and controlling phase also allows all members of the team to look at what may be working and what may not be working, whether it be the schedule, provided resources, and even each other's performance. I believe understanding what is working and what needs to be changed allows for the better progression of the project, which is why I think the the monitoring and controlling phase is an important aspect in the project life cycle. 

I would be interested in hearing about how this stage of the project life cycle may have helped you recognize issues in any projects that you have worked on.