Investment projects: essence and classification

The subject of research is theoretical and practical issues of formation of the investment project. The purpose of the study is characteristic of the project and its nature. In this context it is necessary to analyze the life cycle of the project, to describe its main components and to propose ways to improve their efficiency, taking into account specific features. Research methods. A set of scientific methods and approaches, including systemic, structural, comparative, factorial methods that allowed to realize the goal of the study are used in the paper. The results of the study. In the paper the economic substance of the project and its life cycle are considered. The investment projects are classified. The problems which reduced an activity of investment activity in Ukraine in terms of economic transformation are outlined. The directions of improvement of investment attractiveness are suggested. The scope of the results. Investment activity. Conclusions. It should be noted that in the study were considered the essence of the concept of «investment project», a characteristic feature of the implementation process which makes a chance to attract investments. In particular, the implementation of investment projects needs to attract a significant amount of financial resources. Nowadays business investment activity is carried out in the context of limited investment resources, so while designing investments the issues of choice and economic substantiation for using the investment resources from different funding sources need special attention. The refore, to improve investment attractiveness and stimulate investments both exogenous and endogenous levels are offered to improve the investment climate. Moreover, for the full investment potential of Ukraine and its sustainable economic development, government position and comprehensive approach for solving the existing problems related to investment activities is necessary.