What does research suggest as a best practice for how much time should be spent in initiating and planning activities for project?

Research suggests that spending approximately 10-20% of the total project timeline on initiating and planning activities is a best practice. This phase is crucial for defining project objectives, scope, and stakeholder engagement, which lays a strong foundation for successful execution. Investing adequate time upfront helps to identify potential risks and resource needs, ultimately leading to more efficient project delivery and reduced chances of costly changes later on.