The option chosen in the initiation phase is fleshed out. The outcomes are drawn up in such detail that those involved in the project can plan, offer, and implement the solution based on reliable foundations.

1. Based on the selected option and the initial status report from the study, situation analyses are carried out.
2. Based on the findings from the situation analyses, the requirements from the study are fleshed out, completed, and newly defined as solution requirements.
3. In organizational and IT projects or if business processes or structures are affected by the solution, the organizational requirements and subsequently the organization concept must be drawn up in every case.
4. The solution is developed conceptually. The feasibility, where applicable only of individual solution components, is tested, e.g. with prototypes.
5. The deployment concept is designed in preparation for deployment.
6. Depending on the scenario, a test concept and migration concept are designed.
7. In IT projects, the solution architecture and the operating concept are also designed. The decision on solution architecture is made.
8. If a solution is to be procured, the call for tenders is issued, the tenders are evaluated, and the selected product or system is procured.
9. For systems, the integration concept is designed.
10. The implementation release decision is made (decide on phase release).
11. 1. The project and operational risks must be identified, analyzed, and evaluated.
    2. Feasibility of the solution development must still be proven or confirmed.
    3. The resources for the next phase are released based on the fleshed out project management plan and the offers available.

At the end of the concept phase, a check is carried out to see whether it is wise to implement the project. Possible reasons for termination include economic inefficiency, excessive risks, infeasibility, and lack of alignment with the objectives and strategies of the organization.