Using Expert Judgment for Project Initiation

Expert judgment is mentioned in this chapter because project initiation is the first PMBOK process that lists expert judgment as a primary tool or technique. In this case, as in most, expert judgment is used to evaluate the inputs into the process. Specifically, expert judgment is used to assess the product description, the project-selection criteria, and the validity of the historical information. In addition, expert judgment could be used to identify key assumptions and constraints. Anyone with specialized knowledge and/or experience relevant to the goals of the project can be used as a source of expert judgment. Common sources include the following:

• Subject matter experts (SMEs) within the organization

• Consultants

• Stakeholders, including customers

• Professional and trade associations

• Industry groups