Initiating a project involves activities that will get the project started. In the initiating process group, a project manager formally starts a new project or phase of an existing project. A project manager will also identify and analyze stakeholders and align their project expectations. The initiating process group provides guidance and a vision for the project. The project is officially authorized through project initiating. 

The project manager will rely on various knowledge, skills, and abilities while initiating a project. This includes estimation techniques, benefit analysis, strategic management, and project charter development. 

The initiating process group provides the project manager with the authority and information necessary to start the project. To learn more about starting a project click here

Inputs to the Initiation Process Group:

• Agreements

• Business Documents

• Enterprise Environmental Factors (learn more click here)

• Organizational Process Assets (learn more click here)

Tools and Techniques used in the Initiation Process Group:

• Data Gathering

• Expert Judgment

• Meetings

Outputs of the Initiating Process Group:

• Project Charter

• Assumption Log

Project Charter

The Project Charter is a document that authorizes the project and provides the project manager with authority to apply resources. The Project Charter provides the link between organizational and project objectives and serves as the formal record of the project. The Project Charter demonstrates the organization's commitment to the project and can be created by the sponsor or the person initiating the project or someone who has the authority to commit organizational resources. 

Assumption Log

To learn about the Assumption Log (learn more click here)

Identify Stakeholders

This process consists of identifying project stakeholders and determining their interest, impact, interdependencies, and involvement in the project. This step repeats itself as necessary throughout the project. To learn more about Project Stakeholders (learn more click here)

Tasks the project manager might complete to initiate a project include:

• Perform a project assessment using gathered data, lessons learned, and stakeholder feedback.

• Identify critical deliverables based on the project requirements.

• Conduct a stakeholder analysis to align expectations and build backing.

• Identify known risks, assumptions, and constraints from the environment, organizational factors, historical information, or expert judgment.

• Partake in developing the Project Charter by gathering and analyzing data.

• Conduct a benefit analysis involving stakeholders to ensure the project is aligned with organizational objectives and satisfies stakeholder expectations.

• Acquire formal project manager authority once the sponsor approves the Project Charter.

• Communicate Project Charter approval to stakeholders to confirm understanding of deliverables, milestones, and roles and responsibilities.