Section 2: Creating Your Project Definition

In this video, I show you how to define your project, using the One-page Method, to cover the ten most important elements of your Project Definition. [FAPM]

1. Goal
2. Objectives
3. Scope
4. Exclusions
5. Deliverables
6. Dependencies & Constraints
7. Risks & Issues
8. Uncertainties & Assumptions
9. Stakeholders
10. Project Team

If you’d like to read a text version that covers the same ground, click here.

So, what are goals and objectives, and how are they used in project management? Dr Mike Clayton, author of 'How to Manage a Great Project' explains in a sample video from our Project Management core course program.

Project Goals

Project goals are the bedrock of defining your project. They aren't even your foundation: they are more like the groundwork you do before laying your foundation. So, what is a Project Goal exactly? [FAPM]

Project Objectives

Project objectives are a core part of your project definition. They are vital. So, what are Project Objectives? [FAPM]

What is the Project Manager's Iron Triangle? It is also known as the Time-Cost-Quality Triangle, The Triple Constraint, and The Triangle of Balance. [FAPM]

Read here to see an alternative point of view about ‘How to Write Effective Project Objectives Every Time’ from the fabulous Jennifer Bridges at ProjectManager.com.

Scope

Project Scope is easy to define, but the hardest part of a project manager's job. So, what is Project Scope? [FAPM]

Project Scope is simple in concept, but hard in practice. It is a measure of the breadth and depth of your project. Put another way, it is everything you need to do. We call the process of defining the scope of your project, ‘scoping your project’. Click here to read an article that will guide you through the tools and techniques.

I’ve often said that scoping is the hardest part of Project Management. So for a formal project, you’ll need a good Scope Management Plan. It will help you navigate the scoping process, and take full advantage of all of your hard work.

One of my favorite scoping tools is MOSCOW analysis. Click here to view my own description.

Also, here’s one by the wonderful Susanne Madsen, on behalf of ProjectManager.com: ‘How to Prioritize with the MoSCoW Technique

Business Case

Getting a good business case is a lot of work. This article will give you a comprehensive introduction.

Success Criteria

Another way of looking at your goal and objectives is as success criteria. Here’s an article by the incomparable Elizabeth Harrin.