A Project Manager's Book of Forms: A Companion to the PMBOK Guide, 5th Edition

Chapter 1

Initiating Forms

1.0 INITIATING PROCESS GROUP

The purpose of the initiating process group is to authorize a project, provide a high-level definition of the project, and identify stakeholders. There are two processes in the initiating process group:

• Develop Project Charter
• Identify Stakeholders

The intent of the initiating process group is to at least:

• Authorize a project
• Identify project objectives
• Define the initial scope of the project
• Obtain organizational commitment
• Assign a project manager
• Identify project stakeholders

As the first processes in the project, the initiating processes are vital to starting a project effectively. These processes can be revisited throughout the project for validation and elaboration as needed.

The forms used to document initiating information include:

• Project Charter
• Stakeholder Register
• Stakeholder Analysis Matrix

These forms are consistent with the information in the PMBOK® Guide—Fifth Edition. Tailor them to meet the needs of your project by editing, combining, or revising them.

1.1 PROJECT CHARTER

The project charter is a document that formally authorizes a project or phase. The project charter defines the reason for the project and assigns a project manager and his or her authority level for the project. The contents of the charter describe the project in high-level terms, such as:

• Project purpose or justification
• High-level project description
• High-level requirements
• Project objectives and related success criteria
• High-level ...