The Project Initiation phase is the first phase of a project. Its purpose is to set out the aims, objectives and broad scope of the project.

A project can be triggered for a multitude of reasons such as a business improvement idea, mandatory legislation, and introduction of new technology or a new business requirement. Good project governance dictates that all project “ideas” should undergo an initial high-level investigation, followed by a feasibility assessment (initial go/no-go decision gate).

This investigation should be a brief fact finding mission that results in a Project Proposal. A Project Proposal is generally regarded as a sales pitch for securing funding & resources to initiate a new Project. Up until this approval point, it is not a “Project”, just an “Idea”.

We provide two key documents in the Initiation Phase:

- The Project Proposal

- The Project Charter

There are several other documents mentioned in this “kick-off” phase (e.g. Project Feasibility Document, Project Concept Statement, Project Scope document). However, the Proposal and Charter are the two key documents you will need to produce to cover the critical information at this stage of the project. Alternatively you can adapt the content & headings from these two documents to develop hybrid documents – whatever suits your needs.

The Project Proposal document is a pre-project document which is used as a kick-off point for any idea for a project. It should briefly outline the proposed approach, staffing, costs, timescales, business drivers and benefits.

Project Charter

The Project Charter is usually the first document that is created once an idea has been endorsed as a “Project”. It builds upon the Project Proposal, drilling down to the next level of detail.

Practical Project Initiation: A Handbook with Tools - Karl Wiegers

Zero in on key project-initiation tasks—and build a solid foundation for successful software development. In this concise guide, critically-acclaimed author Karl E. Wiegers fills a void in project management literature by focusing on the activities that are essential—but often overlooked—for launching any project. Drawing on his extensive experience, Karl shares lessons learned, proven practices, and tools for getting your project off to the right start—and steering it to ultimate success.

IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish - Joseph Phillips

This practical, up-to-date guide explains how to successfully manage an IT project and prepare for CompTIA Project+ certification. IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish, Third Edition walks you through each step of the IT project management process, covering critical strategies for on-time and within-budget projects. You'll get proven methods for initiating a project, selecting qualified team members, conferring with management, establishing communication, setting realistic timetables, tracking costs, and closing a project.