Overview

The one process that could be considered a stage within itself. PRINCE2 suggests a minimum of 2 stages - initiation is the first of those stages, the project the other. Consider this process as laying the foundations of your house - it is best to spend time getting this right.

The PRINCE2 manual refers to this process as the drawing up of a contract (Project Initiation Document (PID)) between the Project Manager and the Project Board. This contract ensures common understandings about what the project must deliver, how, by when and by whom. In a small project it could be a telephone conversation or an email what ever the case it should be documented by the Project Manager and the document agreed upon by the Project Board.

Tips

• In a small project the processes SU Starting up a Project and IP Initiating a Project may be combined and only a Project Brief might be produced.
• Getting approval of the PID ensures the Project Manager has understood the Project Mandate and that the Project Board knows the direction and purpose of the project, i.e. this protects both parties.
• Remember to refer to any Lessons Learned Report for assistance.

Notes

• Forms a contract between the Project Manager and the Project Board cementing the understanding of what will be delivered, how, by when and by whom
• First step to helping the Project Board to take ownership of the project
• Defines how quality will be achieved
• Creates a plan to react to a Customer's quality expectations
• At each relevant point consider the Programme as a whole.

Case studies and examples

• Initiating a Project - at the University of Glamorgan (IT focused).

Related links

• Search our forum for 'IP Initiating a Project'
• Take our IP - Initiating a Project - Quiz
• SU Starting up a Project
• Terms of Reference.