What Goes into a Project Definition?

TL;DR

This video discusses the essential components of a project definition, including purpose, outcomes, objectives, scope, deliverables, dependencies, constraints, risks, uncertainties, and key people.

Transcript

in this video I want to answer the question what goes into a project definition there are a lot of things you might put in your project definition you won't always need all of them so in this video I want to give you a long list of the possibilities the place to start is with the purpose why would we do this project and there are two things you mig... Read More

Key Insights

• 📽️ The purpose and anticipated benefits of a project should be clearly defined to provide a compelling reason for undertaking it.
• 😫 Setting specific goals, objectives, and scope helps in understanding what needs to be achieved and creating a focused project plan.
• 👻 Identifying dependencies, constraints, risks, and uncertainties allows for proactive management and mitigation.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some examples of business drivers that may lead to a project?

Business drivers can include changes in regulations, business opportunities, competitive pressures, and internal needs such as upgrading products or services.

Q: How is scope different from objectives in a project definition?

Scope refers to the breadth and depth of ambition in a project, encompassing the components or functionality of the product or service being produced. Objectives, on the other hand, usually focus on schedule, cost, quality, or standards.

Q: Why is it important to define exclusions in scope?

By explicitly stating exclusions, a project definition helps prevent scope creep, ensuring that the project team and stakeholders are aligned on what is not included in the project's scope.

Q: What are some examples of interim deliverables?

Interim deliverables can include plans, drawings, diagrams, lists, and documentation created during the project that are not the final desired deliverables but are necessary for the production process.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Purpose: A project definition should include the purpose or reason for undertaking the project, which can be driven by business drivers or anticipated benefits.

• Outcomes: The project definition should outline the goals, objectives, and scope of the project, including what needs to be produced to create value for the organization.

• Deliverables: Both end deliverables and interim deliverables should be identified, as they contribute to the overall project goal and help in the delivery process.