The purpose of Project Planning (High Level) is to begin to define the overall parameters of a project and to establish the appropriate project management and quality environment required to complete the project. The major deliverable for this process is the Project Initiation Plan.
Development of the Project Initiation Plan is a pivotal starting point for the project that will serve as the foundation for all future efforts. The completion of this process is marked by the sign off and approval of the Project Initiation Plan.
Successful projects begin with a detailed project definition that is understood and accepted by Stakeholders. Putting everything down in writing helps ensure a commitment among Project Team members and between the team and the Stakeholders. As part of Project Planning (High Level), a Project Initiation Plan is developed which is comprised of the business case (refined from the Charter), overall goal, specific objectives, success criteria, scope, high level schedule, stakeholder accountabilities, the communication plan, benefits and costs, governance and resourcing, the management approaches and a high level risk plan These documents, once approved, ensure a consistent understanding of the project, help to set expectations, and identify resources necessary to move the project to the next level of detailed planning. Potential problems are identified so that they can be addressed early in the project.
One of the primary deliverables of the Project Initiation Plan is a high-level Project Schedule that includes a list of all the Key (Major) Deliverables and Milestones for the project. This is the basis for the high level Budget. It is developed as the roadmap for Project Planning (Detail Level) and Project Execution and Control. This high-level schedule will be refined continuously over time, and will serve as the primary source of information regarding project status and progress. An accurate, realistic, and complete schedule, rigorously maintained, is essential to the success of a project.
Sponsorship of the project and the assignment of the Project Manager must be confirmed or gained during Project Planning (High Level). Having a Project Sponsor and/or Project Director, and securing approval early in the project management lifecycle, helps to ensure a commitment to the project. The assignment of the Project Manager will provide the management needed to develop the High Level Plan and manage the entire project cycle.