Introduction |
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Initiation is the process of formally recognising that a new project exists or that an existing project should continue into its next phase. This formal initiation links the project to the ongoing work of the performing organization. Projects may be initiated for various reasons. |
5.1.1 Inputs |
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Projects are typically initiated as a result of:
a market demand
a business need
a customer request
a technological advance
a legal requirement
The product description documents the characteristics of the product or service that the project was undertaken to create. The product descriptions will generally have less detail in early phases and more detail in later ones. This is also called progressive elaboration.
The product description should:
document the relationship between the product/service and the business need.
be detailed enough to support later project planning.
Where a buyer provides a product description for a project it is also called the statement of work.
All projects should be supportive of the performing organization's strategic goals - the strategic plan of the performing organization should be considered as a factor in project selection decisions.
Project selection criteria are typically defined in terms of the product of the project and can cover the full range of possible management concerns, eg
financial return
market share
public perceptions
Historical information about both the results of previous project selection decisions and previous project performance should be considered to the extent it is available.
When initiation involves approval for the next phase of a project, information about the results of previous phases is often critical
These may fall into two categories:
These methods are often known as decision models. Decision models include:
Expert judgement will often be required to assess the inputs to the process. Examples are other units, consultants, industry groups.
A project charter is a document that formally recognizes the existence of the project. It should include:
It provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.
The project manager should always be assigned as early as possible.
These are factors that will limit the project management team options, for example, a pre-defined budget or the provisions of a contract.
Factors that, for planning purposes, will be considered to be true, real or certain.