Chapter 13: Starting up a project Flashcards
What is the purpose of the “starting up a project” stage?
to ensure that the prerequisites for initiating a
project are established by answering the question, ‘do we have a viable and worthwhile project?’
What are the objectives of the process for starting up a project?
-ensure business justification
-Necessary authorities exist for initiating the project
-sufficient information is available to define and confirm the scope of the project (in the form of
a project brief).
-alternative approaches have been evaluated and the chosen project approach agreed.
-individuals are appointed who will undertake the work required in the initiation stage or take
significant project management roles during the project.
-the work required for the initiation stage (documented in a stage plan) is planned.
-time is not wasted initiating a project based on unsound assumptions regarding the project’s
scope, timescales, acceptance criteria, or constraints.
The Project mandate is not required in the starting up a project process (True / false)
False.
However the term project mandate applies to whatever information
is used to trigger the project, such as a feasibility study or the receipt of a request for proposal in a
supplier environment.
What is the MvP of the project mandate?
provide the terms of reference for the project
and should contain sufficient information to identify at least the prospective project executive of the
project board
What activities are done in the starting up the project process?
-Appoint the project executive and manager
-Assess previous lessons
-Prepare the outline business case
-Appoint the project management team
-Select the project approach
-Assemble the project brief
-Plan the initiation stage
-Request project initiation
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Appoint the project executive and manager
● the business reviews the project mandate, checks understanding, and clarifies any ambiguities.
● the business identifies, selects, and appoints the project executive.
● the project executive identifies, selects, and appoints the project manager.
● the project manager creates the daily log as a repository for project information.
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Assess previous lessons
● review related lessons of similar previous projects of the business and external organizations
to identify lessons that can be applied to this project
● consult with individuals or teams with experience of similar projects.
● if appropriate, create the lessons log and record any lessons identified and associated actions.
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Prepare the outline business case
● the project executive develops the outline business case in accordance with the project mandate and based on what is currently known about the project. This is in consultation with the senior user if appointed at this time. They will need to understand how the project will
contribute towards the business objectives.
● the project manager consults with the senior user, senior supplier, and project executive to define what the project is to deliver and create the project product description
● any risks captured in the daily log are reviewed, and the key risks affecting viability of the
project are summarized in the outline business case.
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Appoint the project management team
● the project manager should review the lessons log, design the project management team
structure, and prepare role descriptions.
● the project executive in consultation with the senior user and project manager should identify, select, and appoint the project management team.
● the project manager should agree team working practices and communication for the initiation stage, and if any risks are identified, add them to the project log.
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Select the project approach
● evaluate the possible delivery solutions and determine the project approach appropriate to delivering the project product and achieving the outline business case.
● define any requirements to tailor the method, if known at this time.
● use the project log to record any new issues or risks.
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Assemble the project brief
● confirm the current status of the project.
such as the project background and any preparation work performed to date.
● confirm the objectives and desired outcomes.
● confirm the project scope, exclusions, and project tolerances.
● identify any constraints and assumptions.
● identify the user and any other known interested parties.
● review the project management team structure and role descriptions to identify any additional
roles or skills required in the project ecosystem
● prepare additional role descriptions as necessary.
● identify the dependencies with other projects or activities that the project must maintain.
● document the above in the project brief
● use the project log to record any new issues or risks.
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Plan the initiation stage
● decide suitable management controls for the initiation stage activities, based on the project
approach.
● identify any constraints on time and costs for the initiation stage and produce the stage plan
● review any risks in the project log and assess their impact on the stage plan for the initiation
stage. If any new risks are identified (or existing ones have changed), update the project log.
What could be some of the recommended actions during the activity: Request project initiation
● brief the project board on the outline business case, project product, project approach, the
project management team appointments, and initiation stage activities and controls.
● formally request authority from the project board to initiate the project to secure the people
and resources required.
