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

The planning stage follows initiation and involves outlining how to achieve the project goals that were established earlier. While it includes developing project plans, timelines, and resource allocation, it is not the stage where project goals are first set. Thus, it does not fit the description of starting with goal-setting.

Execution is the phase where the project plan is put into action, and tasks are carried out to meet the project objectives. By this point, goals have already been defined, and the focus shifts to delivering the project outputs. Therefore, this stage does not involve the initial setting of project goals.

The closure stage occurs after the project has been completed and involves finalizing all activities, obtaining acceptance, and closing out the project. This stage is about wrapping up rather than establishing goals, making it irrelevant to the question of goal-setting frameworks.