Project Lifecycle Processes - Phase I - Initiation Phase

The purpose of the Initiation Phase of a Project is to Identify, Scope and Gain Initial Approval for a Project or Projects that will deliver tangible benefit to the business.

Key Players The key players within the Initiation Phase are:

• the Business Sponsor who is responsible for sponsoring and championing the proposed project initiative and for monitoring its progress.
• the Sponsor\'s Representative, who is responsible for registering and scoping the project, producing the necessary documentation and obtaining the required authorisation for the project to progress.
• the Finance Division which is responsible for assisting in the preparation and production of projected costs and anticipated benefits for inclusion in the Initial Business Case.
• the Audit or Control Division, if it exists in the business or corporation, which is responsible, separate from their role as potential end Users, for ensuring that corporate guidelines, procedures and standards are followed.

Process Description The originator of the idea should identify a potential Business Sponsor and discuss and agree sponsorship of the proposed initiative. In instances where the proposed initiative is already included in agreed business plans, the Business Sponsor will be the originator. Recommended Responsibilities The Business Sponsor should:

• confirm that the proposed initiative is in accordance with the overall business strategy and plans;
• confirm that it will be managed as a project;
• appoint the Sponsor\'s Representative for the Initiation Phase;
• identify the availability of funds;

The Sponsor\'s Representative should:

• register the project with the appropriate planning and management area;
• formulate a detailed plan for the Initiation Stage;
• establish a team for the Initiation Stage;
• scope the project, involving or consulting with interested parties, to ensure there is no duplication of or overlap with other initiatives;
• prepare an Outline Schedule for the rest of the project;
• prepare the Initial Business Case to include:
• the business objectives and how they will be addressed;
• a brief and considered statement of what the project will deliver;
• an explanation of how this will benefit the Users and the corporation;
• the likely costs and benefits of the project;
• issue the Initial Business Case for review and agreement to:
• the Business Sponsor;
• the appropriate management area;
• Finance Division;
• any other interested parties required to provide input;
• obtain approval for the Initial Business Case from the Business Sponsor, and any other authorised signatory as appropriate;
• submit the approved Initial Business Case to the appropriate management area to obtain the appropriate resources and confirmation of the availability of the required funding;

The Business Sponsor should be responsible for continually monitoring the progress of the Initiation Stage. If at any time he/she has doubts about the benefits or risks of the project, or that it will support the real business needs, it is the responsibility of the Business Sponsor to reconsider the initiative and, if necessary, terminate the work.

Stephen S Alison is a retired \"bean counter\" who spent 26 years in middle management positions for major US financial institutions in Europe and a further 10 years as an adviser/consultant to a number of European financial institutions. He owns and operates a number of \"hand built\" niche websites including:\r http://www.24carat-gold.com\r
http://www.forex-arbitrage.com

Project Lifecycle Processes - Phase 3 Delivery Phase
The purpose of the Delivery phase to design, develop, test, implement and hand over the solution identified in Phase 2, the F...

TQM Implementation Project Part 2a - The Analyze Phase, How To Do It
This TQM article is a continuation of the article titled: TQM Implementation Project published on 13-May-2006. This issue is...

TQM Implementation Project Part 4a - The Improve Phase, How To Do It
As indicated in my previous TQM article titled: TQM Implementation Project published on May 13, 2006 02:48:20 pm, I have shar...

TQM Implementation Project Part 1a - The Define Phase, How To Do It
This TQM article is a continuation of the article titled:TQM Implementation Project published on 13-May-2006. This issue is ...

TQM Implementation Project Part 2b - The Analyze Phase, How To Do It
This TQM article is a continuation of the article titled: TQM Implementation Project published on 13-May-2006. This issue is...

Pay the Toll: How a "Toll Gate Review" Can Save a Project
We all have participated in a phased project where the completion of a particular phase was marked by much fanfare, speeches ...

SBIR - A Nice Add-on Business
If you are a small business and qualify to participate in the SBIR program, it is a natural enhancer to your existing busines...

TQM Implementation Project Part 3a - The Analyze Phase, How To Overcome Issues
This TQM article is a continuation of the article titled: TQM Implementation Project published on 13-May-2006. This issue is ...

TQM Implementation Project
This article contains a summary of implementation of TQM improvement projects in the Manufacturing and Service Sectors over t...

TQM Implementation Project Part 6b - How to Overcome Problem in Improve Phase
This TQM article, is a continuation from Part 6a published on [June 30, 2006 04:25:03 am]. In this article, I will share abou...

Project Manager: Roles and Skills
Generally, the project manager is responsible for the overall accomplishment of the project, and accountable for ensuring obj...

How To Recognize Bottlenecks In Six Sigma Implementation
Identifying Six Sigma roadblocks and bottlenecks is essential for eliminating them for effective deployment and to reap the b...

Project Management
Project management is actually a carefully planned and organized effort which is set to accomplish a particular project in a ...

How to Set Your Consulting Fees
For any consultant starting off, figuring out what you should bill your clients is often the most difficult challenge. Charge...

Selecting Black Belts
Invariably, selecting the right Black Belts is crucial for the success of Six Sigma. According to Dr. Michael Harry, one of t...

Implementing Strategy:A Balancing Act
Strategies often fail in organisations because they are not successfully converted into actions that employees can understand...

How Chocolates are Manufactured?
Making chocolates is a long process. It starts from harvesting cocoa and finishes with the drying of chocolate. The process b...

Relief - Letting Go of the Guilt!
Phase 4 - ReliefRelief - Letting go of the GuiltThis phase is a unique one. During this phase you start to feel okay with whe...

Excel in Business With Unsecured Business Loans
Business is nothing but earning through money. You are always in need of money to earn more money. Do not worry even if you d...

Business Process Management
Business Processes are a group of activities which are recurring in nature and contribute significantly to the growth and dev...