Initiate Group Process

Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content

The Initiating Process Group consists of those processes performed to define a new project or a new phase of an existing project by obtaining authorization to start the project or phase. The key purpose of the Initiating Process Group is to communicate with stakeholders the project's purpose, to understand their expectations regarding the project, and to give them and understanding of the scope and objectives.  Also, to allow an opportunity to participate in the project, and its associated phases, is important to the success of the project to ensure that their expectations are achieved.

Knowledge Areas

  • Project Integration Management
  • Project Stakeholder Management

Processes

  • Develop Project Charter
  • Identify Stakeholders

4.0 Project Integration Management

Per the PMBOK, project integration management “includes the processes and activities to identify, define, combine, unify, and coordinate the various processes and project management activities within the Project Management Process Groups” (“Project Management Institute,” 2013). Some sample activities may include:

  • Resource allocation
  • Trade-offs
  • Interdependencies

Integration in project management is complex. It may involve “unification, consolidation, communication, and integrative actions” (“Project Management Institute,” 2013).

project integration management flow.jpg

4.1 Develop Project Charter

Process Definition

The marching orders for the project manager are called the Project charter.  The charter contains as much information as possible about the objectives for the project manager; concerning the project, and it defines what the customer wants.  The charter can be a simple document, with further project planning adding necessary details.  It can also be a very detailed document, to include a Statement of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statement (PWS), contract or other legally binding document.  The charter is signed by the customer and the performing team, forming the basis of their relationship during the project, and it gives the project manager formal authority to apply resources to the project.

Process Assessment

Lack of a clearly defined project charter leads to project plans that don't align with stakeholder and customer objectives.  Ill-defined roles for the project team and other stakeholders can get the project off to a poor start on defining requirements.  These issues can lead to more project risk and reduced likelihood of a successful project outcome.  

figure 2 inputs, tools & techniques, outputs to develop project charter.jpg

Figure 2. Develop Project Charter: Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs. Reprinted from "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), 5th Edition" by Project Management Institute, 2013, p. 66. Copyright 2013 by Project Management Institute, Inc. Reprinted without permission.

  1. Statement of Work: In an assembled team, a Risk Management Assessment was performed.  On this document, pg. 5, it states our purpose for the assessment.  It describes what our team was tasked to do for this class project, it is a narrative of our Statement of Work.
  2. Facilitation Technique (Communication): Communication and Scope was used as a tool to gather information from the stakeholder to minimize risks that could potentially cause problems with the project.
  3. Project Charter: A document by the project initiator or sponsor that formerly authorizes the existence of a project and the use of an organization's resources.  This charter is from a virtual team for a class project.

 Artifact:

Click here to download Atifact 4.1.1 Risk Management Plan.docx

Click here to download Arifact 4.1.2 Communication and Scope.docx

Click here to download Artifact 4.1.3 Team Charter Rules.docx

13.0 Project Stakeholder Management 

13.1 Identify Stakeholders

Process Definition

The first process in the Stakeholder Management knowledge area involves identifying all stakeholders that have a vested interest in the execution or outcome of the project.  This process also evaluates each stakeholder for their level of interest, role and participation, interdependencies and influence on the project outcome.

Process Assessment

It is important to identify stakeholders during project initiation. Since stakeholder management is one of the primary jobs of the project manager, this is the opportunity to identify who needs to be informed of progress and developments on the project, and will play an important role in developing the project communications plan. Stakeholders often have individual perspectives on what they are looking for out of a project, and their own insights into risks and issues project manager will have to contend with.

figure 3 inputs, tools & techniques, outputs to identify stakeholders.jpg

Figure 3. Identify Stakeholders: Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs. Reprinted from "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), 5th Edition" by Project Management Institute, 2013, p. 393. Copyright 2013 by Project Management Institute, Inc. Reprinted without permission.

  1. Procurement Documentation: This is a budget update for procurement, the customer wanted to move up the delivery date and the critical path pointed to the procurement to be delivered sooner.  This then caused the compression of the schedule and changed the cost.
  2. Technique:  Trade-Offs was an assignment that was describing techniques that could be used during a conversation with a client, supervisor, or a great many life situations as well.  It is a technique to get something while giving something in return.
  3. Stakeholder Register: This is a project document that includes identification, assessment, and classification of stakeholders.

Artifact:

Click here to download Artifact 13.1.1 Stakeholder Report for Procurement Compression Cost.docx

Click here to download Artifact 13.1.2 Project Trade-Offs.docx

Click here to download Artifact 13.1.3 Stakeholder Register.docx

rich_text    
Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content
rich_text    

Page Comments

No Comments

Add a New Comment:

You must be logged in to make comments on this page.