Which project management life cycle stage starts with setting project goals using either the SMART or the CLEAR framework?

The Closure phase occurs at the end of the project life cycle, where final deliverables are handed over, project performance is evaluated, and lessons learned are documented. This stage does not involve setting project goals; instead, it focuses on concluding the project and ensuring that all objectives have been met.

Execution is the stage where the project plan is put into action, and the work necessary to meet the project goals is performed. While goals established during the Initiation phase guide this work, they are not set during Execution; rather, this phase focuses on carrying out tasks and managing resources to achieve the goals.

The Planning phase follows the Initiation stage and involves developing detailed plans to achieve the set goals, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. While planning refines the goals set during Initiation, it is not the stage where those goals are first established.