> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/software_engineering/management/process_and_management/project_initialisation.md).

# Project initialisation

## Basic idea

The set-up phase. Establishes the *business case* — a living document that justifies, at every gate, why the project is still worth doing — and selects an appropriate methodology (PRINCE2, PMBOK, Agile, hybrid).

## Key facts

* Business case = factual basis for go/no-go decisions; sized to project cost/benefit.
* Should be reviewed and re-signed at key stages, not written once and forgotten.
* Contents: exec summary, rationale, options, benefits, dis-benefits, timescale, costs, investment appraisal, major risks.

There are many approaches and methodologies that are widely used across industry with organisations favoring standard industry ones (PRINCE2, PMBOK, Agile etc) or usually a modified version of these they make their own. ![Project methodologies](/files/zgP5uiR29rLaBQnjDw1D)

## Setting up a project for success. A business case is the key.

The purpose of the Business Case is to establish mechanisms to judge whether the project is (and remains) desirable, viable and achievable as a means to support decision making in its initial and continued investment.

* Provides a factual base for key decision makers to decide if the project should be undertaken.
* Demonstrates how the project adds value to the organisation
* Has a set of pre-defined standard organisatinal characteristics (costs, benefit, risk, etc.)
* It is not all about size - size depends on the cost/benefit.
* It is a living document throughout the project that should be reviewed and signed off at key stages.

### A business case contains

* Exec summary
* Reasons why its required
* Business options
* Expected benefits
* Expected dis-benefits
* Timescale
* costs
* Investment appraisal
* Major risks