A Project Manager's Book of Forms, 3rd Edition

1Initiating 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
• Assumption log
• Stakeholder register
• Stakeholder analysis

These forms are consistent with the information in the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth 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
• High-level project description
• Project boundaries
• Key deliverables
• High-level requirements
• Overall project risk
• Project ...