Which stage of project management is mainly focused on breaking down the steps and defining tasks?

The planning stage of project management is primarily focused on breaking down the steps involved in a project and defining specific tasks. This stage involves outlining the project objectives, resources needed, timelines, and the responsibilities of team members. By systematically detailing each component, the project manager ensures that every aspect is covered, which facilitates smoother execution later. Deliverables, milestones, and dependencies are established during this phase, allowing for better tracking and management throughout the project lifecycle.

While other stages such as initiating and executing are crucial for overall project success, they encompass broader or different activities. Initiating is more about defining the project scope and securing approvals, while executing focuses on implementing the plan and producing the project's deliverables. Closing is concerned with finalizing the project and ensuring that all tasks are completed satisfactorily. Thus, the planning stage stands out as the one dedicated to task breakdown and definition.