The main measurement of success for Project Planning (High Level) is the decision to proceed with – or to halt – the project. While in the majority of cases, a well-executed Project Initiation Plan leads to a transition to Project Planning (Detail Level), in some cases the organization is best served by deciding that the project should not continue.
Before the final task sign-off, however, the Project Manager can assess how successfully the project is proceeding through its processes by utilizing the measurement criteria outlined below. More than one “No” answer indicates a serious risk to the continued success of your project.
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Process |
Measurements of Success |
Yes / No |
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Prepare for the Project |
Do you have a committed, interested and influential Project Sponsor and/or Project Director attached to the project? |
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Did you verify that your Project Initiation Plan reflects the vision of the areas of the performing Organization affected by/involved in the project? |
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Did you identify specific benefits the product or service developed by your project will bring to the Customer? |
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Do you have a clear structure for the project repository? |
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Develop Project Initiation Plan |
Has your scope statement been reviewed and accepted by Customer Representatives who will benefit from your project? |
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In your high-level Project Schedule, do you know if the effort shares allocated to various project phases correlate to industry-accepted norms? |
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Did you review the impact your project costs will have on upcoming fiscal year budgets with the Finance office? |
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Have your staff and materials acquisition plans been reviewed with the performing organization who will be paying for the staff and products being acquired? |
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Has the Project Sponsor and / or Project Director reviewed your high level Risk Plan? |
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Are your internal and external Stakeholders satisfied with the frequency and content of communications you are providing consistent with your Communications Plan) as evidenced by a lack of complaints? |
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Have you proactively sought to gauge Stakeholders’ satisfaction level? |
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Confirm Approval to Proceed |
Do you have an approval form signed by your Project Sponsor and/or Project Director authorizing you to proceed to Project Planning, or to halt the project? |
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Have you provided sufficient information in your Project Initiation Plan to allow the Project Sponsor and/or Project Director to take the necessary action? |
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