Model Guideline #3
Show me a typical
guideline for -
Project Concept Phase
Manager
Guideline Goal
To provide for the
effective conduct of a project during its Concept Phase
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Note: The skill set required for this phase of a project's work
is considered to be sufficiently different to warrant special
attention to the person filling this role
Expectations - 1
The Concept Phase
Manager's responsibilities include, though not necessarily limited to:
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Conduct of the project through the project's Concept Phase
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Identifying the project's stakeholders
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Documenting their realistic requirements
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Identifying alternatives to meet the need
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With their help, selecting the best alternative
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And Key Success Indicators
Expectations - 2
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Developing a Business Case
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Including an "Order of Magnitude" cost estimate
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Recommending a Priority Class
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Maintaining an updated project Scope Description
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Preparing a project Budget Worksheet
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Securing project funding to continue into Phase 2 - Project
Definition for a viable project
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Or, recommend the project be aborted
Particulars - 1
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Even though a Project Need has been identified and has been given
management's approval-in-principle, little if any substantive
information will be available on the real requirements of
stakeholders, systems solutions, alternatives available, benefits,
financial justification, resources required and priority
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The purpose of the Concept Phase, therefore, is to begin the journey
of collecting this information in a manner and detail that will
enable management to decide whether or not the project should be
continued and, if so, on what priority
Particulars - 2
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It should be noted that many project failures can be traced directly
to inadequate attention and management during this vital phase of
the project.
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This preliminary analysis and justification usually does not require
the services of a "traditional" project manager, and the
cooperative, analytical and technical skills required may be such
that some other specialist is more appropriate
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Nevertheless, this project process must be properly managed and
led
Definitions and Responsibility
Definitions to be
included
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Concept Phase Manager, Project Priority Class
Primary responsibility
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Project Concept Phase Manager
Responsible to