Project Initiation is the creation of project by the Project Management that entails the definition of the project’s purpose, primary and secondary goals, timeframe and timeline of when goals are expected to be met. The Project Management may add additional items to the project during the Project Initiation phase. The Project Initiation phase can also be used to determine the project’s viability prior to committing the required staff, materials, and finances to the project. By meeting with the project’s key staff and team leaders, the Project Management may decide to continue with the project, develop the project further before committing to the project or terminate the project. Project Initiation is an ongoing process that does not stop when the project has been approved to begin. The Project Management may utilize the Project Initiation process throughout the project’s lifespan to evaluate the project’s and staff’s success and to begin corrective actions if needed. Although Project Initiation can be used as evaluation tool, it is primarily a planning tool that if used efficiently; will assist the Project Management and the project staff to effectively plan a successful program that can communicate to all levels involved from the to Project Management the staff that is responsible for the project’s completion.
The Project Initiation Phase is the 1st phase in the Project Management Life Cycle, as it involves starting up a new project. You can start a new project by defining its objectives, scope, purpose and deliverables to be produced. You’ll also hire your project team, setup the Project Office and review the project, to gain approval to begin the next phase.
Overall, there are six key steps that you need to take to properly initiate a new project.
Six Key Steps
- Develop a Business Case
- Undertake a Feasibility Study
- Establish the Project Charter
- Appoint the Project Team
- Set up the Project Office
- Perform a Phase Review
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