Overview

Starting Up a Project is about getting approval (DP1 - Authorising Initiation) for the project to begin its initiation (IP - Initiating a Project).

The trigger that begins this process is the Project Mandate (Terms of Reference or a feasibility study) that is created by senior management (normally corporate or Programme Management). This could be as complete as a Project Brief, or maybe as brief as a verbal request.

As the majority of research into the project is taken during Initiating a Project the SU stage should be relatively short (1-2 weeks for a 6 month project, or just a few hours for a week long project!). Despite being short do not ignore this stage - it enables a controlled start, ensuring the Project Management Team is in place and that the 'direction' (Project Approach) is agreed upon.

Tips

• Clearly defined Project Mandates lead to quicker start stage.
• Evaluate how many of the Starting Up a Project processes actually have to be done - if the project is part of a programme much of the sub processes in SU may have been done.
• Do not avoid doing this process, no matter how small your project, SU ensures a controlled start.

Notes

Use the Project Mandate to:

• Confirm that the project is worthwhile
• Define responsibilities and roles
• Create the Initiation Stage Plan to enter Initiating a Project
• Provide information for the Project Brief
• Establish the Project Approach
• Design and appoint the Project Management Team
• Create the Stage Plan
• Help in setting up the Risk Log

This should be a short, inexpensive process

Case studies and examples

Related links

• Search our forum for 'SU - Starting up a Project'
• Take our SU - Starting Up a Project - Quiz.