Some projects are very well defined but others are not. If there is an idea that has been handed down by many, formed into a project that simply needs to be implemented, you may have a well defined project. If, on the other hand, someone or some group has an idea and they simply created a project out of it, then you may have an extra amount of defining to do. Let’s look at both cases or some thoughts of defining your project well upfront.
A "Well Defined Project"
Many projects are "well defined". An upper level team has determined that there is a need for a project and they have defined that project in some way that gives it a charter and perhaps some funding and a level of support within the organization.
Project Has Official Authorization
The problem with such a "well defined project" is that these projects may have a level of definition in terms of need, but otherwise may totally lack clarity. It is important to sit down in a formal way and document the objectives of the project, understand why the project is being undertaken determine what it will take for the project to be successful and what that would mean to the organization, and determine how the project fits into the organization as well as other projects into the organizational structure.
Other projects have not really been thought through much at all and are simply ideas. It is important to recognize that and develop that idea to define a project and then get approval on the project itself. What has truly been approved to move forward is an idea and you need to make a project out of it. In such cases, a project might be a feasibility study, a prototype or other sort of research. In any case, there needs to be a preliminary chunk of work, defined upfront, that lays out the parameters for the project.
Defining projects is hardwork but is very fulfilling and effective work for project managers. Lots of money can be made or saved by doing a good job in this phase. Defining the project determines the direction of efforts in the expenditure of resources for some time to come.
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John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online
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