Initiating a Project, Sponsor and Project Manager

Description

Initiating at a project level provides a short sharp start to the project.  This activity ensures that there is an initial set of people assigned to prepare the initial definition and planning of the project.  During this activity, the Project Charter, the trigger for the project,  is evaluated to ensure that the business objectives are best achieved through a project.  After carrying out this activity, other approaches may be recommended, such as a program, or part of an existing project.  

The output of this activity is an initial draft of the key sections of the project plan.  These are:

2.0  Project Charter and Scope Statement (including Project Approach)

The project charter and scope statement establish clear objectives, scope and deliverables for the project.  The project approach provide a high level picture of the of how the project will achieve the objectives.

3.0  Project Organization

The Project Organization identifies people to take on roles within the Project Management Team.  At a minimum, the project sponsor and project manager are identified.

4.2  Initiation Phase Plan

The initiation phase plan identifies the work, resources, and time frame for completing the Initiation Phase.

 

The Risk Log also contains the initial assessment of risks for undertaking this project.

On small projects or where a project is part of a program, this process may be combined with the Planning a Project process.  Where the project is part of a contract, the same information is prepared however, the customer's requirements drive the solution.

At the end of this process, all of the information collected in the Initial Project Plan is made available to the SMT to formally approve the initiation of the Project.

 

Audit Criteria

  • Project Sponsor and Project Manager Appointed
  • Initial Project Plan Draft available including:
  • Project Charter and Scope Statement
  • Project Approach Documented
  • Project Initiation Phase Plan Documented
  • Risk Log prepared.

Document Templates

Forms

Process Details

References

A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge

  • 5.1 Initiation

Additional Details