Front-End Loading and the Stage Gated Process

The AACE Keystone Manitoba Section invites you to its next virtual Lunch and Learn event on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

The event will feature a presentation by Andrew Griffith, Director, IPA Institute.

The Independent Project Analysis (IPA) presentation explores the synergy between Front-End Loading (FEL) and the Stage-Gated Process as essential frameworks for successful capital project execution. FEL is a phased planning approach that emphasizes early definition of project scope, feasibility, and alignment—divided into three stages: FEL 1 (business case and strategic fit), FEL 2 (concept development and preliminary engineering), and FEL 3 (detailed scope and execution planning). Complementing this is the Stage-Gated Process, which introduces structured decision points—or “gates”—between project phases to ensure readiness, governance, and alignment with business objectives. IPA’s research highlights that projects with strong FEL discipline and rigorous gate reviews consistently outperform peers in cost, schedule, and operational outcomes. By investing in robust front-end planning and applying gate-based governance, organizations can significantly reduce execution risk and enhance project value.