Authorising Initiation

Overview

No-one should commit to large expenditure on the project before verifying that it is sensible to do so.

Context

Authorising Initiation is the first major activity for the Project Board. Where this is done at a formal meeting, this is called the 'Project Initiation Meeting’.

Process Description

Project Start-up Notification

The objective is to ensure that the project is properly initiated by:

	Ratifying the Project Directive with corporate or programme management
	Approving a plan to develop the Project Foundation Document
	Obtaining or committing the resources needed by the Initiation Stage Plan
	Requesting the necessary logistical support via the Project Start-up Notification to the host organisation (the location where the work is to be done).

The Project Board must ensure that adequate reporting and control mechanisms are in place for the Initiation Stage. A tolerance level should be set for Initiation, just as f or the later stages.

The Project Board is responsible for obtaining resources and providing a support infrastructure for the project in line with those requirements identified in the Initiation Stage Plan. The support infrastructure may include accommodation, communication facilities, equipment and any project support.

Responsibilities

Responsibility rests with the Project Board, based on input provided by the Project Manager and those with project assurance responsibilities. Corporate or programme management is responsible for ratifying the Project Directive for the Project Board.

Information Needs

Management information	Usage	Explanation
Job definitions	Input	Details of job responsibilities
Project Management Team structure	Input	Details of who is to be involved in the management of the project
Project Directive	Update	Contains the 'what' and 'why' of the project and is the document that specifies the Project Board's terms of reference
Draft Initiation Stage Plan	Update	The work to be approved
Project Start-up Notification	Output	Request for logistics support
Authorisation to proceed	Output	The approved plan for the Initiation Stage

Key Criteria

	Is there adequate funding for the project?
	Does the Project Directive demonstrate the existence of a worthwhile project, and hence justify the investment involved?
	Are external support and facility requirements available and committed?
	Have the most appropriate standards been applied, particularly if the Customer and Supplier standards differ?
	Are assurance responsibilities allocated and accepted?