Defining a Project

In this chapter

  • Understand the importance of defining a project correctly
  • Learn what questions must be answered to properly define a project
  • Understand how defining a project relates to planning a project
  • Review the essential elements for a Project Definition document
  • Learn how to determine if a project has been properly defined

The journey begins…

The first stop on our journey down Project Management Boulevard is also the most important, because it builds the foundation for all other project management activities and sets the stage for our eventual project success (or failure).

The irony of this is that depending upon your organization and industry, you (the project manager) may be the primary agent in getting this done, or you may not be involved at all until after project definition is complete.

In either case, you need to know how to properly define a project and how to evaluate if a project definition performed by others is complete before starting any detailed project planning efforts.

With all this in mind, we will review the critical importance this step plays, the key questions that must be answered and agreed upon, the "must-have" elements of your Project Definition document, and the success criteria for the project definition process.

Part i. Project Management Jumpstart

Project Management Overview

The Project Manager

Essential Elements for any Successful Project

Part ii. Project Planning

Defining a Project

Planning a Project

Developing the Work Breakdown Structure

Estimating the Work

Developing the Project Schedule

Determining the Project Budget

Part iii. Project Control

Controlling a Project

Managing Project Changes

Managing Project Deliverables

Managing Project Issues

Managing Project Risks

Managing Project Quality

Part iv. Project Execution

Leading a Project

Managing Project Communications

Managing Expectations

Keys to Better Project Team Performance

Managing Differences

Managing Vendors

Ending a Project



Absolute Beginner[ap]s Guide to Project Management
Absolute Beginner[ap]s Guide to Project Management
ISBN: 078973821X
EAN: N/A
Year: 2006
Pages: 169

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