Define In this Phase, you are proposing a project to senior management and stakeholders with a brief written description. This brief description is called a Project Definition Document. It helps support a shared understanding of what work the project will involve and what results it should achieve. If your Project Definition Document is approved, you move from the Define Phase to the Plan Phase.     Implement In this Phase, you actually do the work described in the Project Plan. You begin with project mobilization (“start up”), securing the resources required to execute the project, orienting team members, and getting them started on work plans. With the team in place, your focus becomes the execution of the Project Plan using techniques to manage risks, issues, changes, quality, and cost. You also manage communications, project documents, procurement, and human resources. When this phase nears completion, you move from the Implement Phase to the Close Phase.     Close In this Phase, you demonstrate that the project is complete, assess its success, transfer project knowledge to others, finalize administrative issues, and support staff as the project ends and the team dissolves.
	Introduction
	Key Deliverables
	Key Resources

INTRODUCTION

In the Define Phase, you are proposing a project to senior management and stakeholders using a brief written description.

Your key activities are to:

• Understand stakeholder interests and expectations
• Establish a shared high-level understanding of the proposed project and its intended results
• Seek approval from senior management to move to the Plan Phase.

Typically the deliverable for the Define Phase is the Project Definition Document.

The Project Definition Document is not a Project Plan. It is much shorter, and it is designed to ensure there is enough interest in a project to justify the effort required to write a Project Plan, Schedule, and Budget.

A Business Case and Cost Benefit Analysis are produced instead of or in addition to a Project Definition Document when senior management needs a more detailed justification for a project.

Business Cases are often required when projects

• Need large budgets
• Need new funding
• Will have a big impact on the organization, or
• Will have a big impact on service delivery.

If your Project Definition Document and/or Business Case are approved, you move from the Define Phase to the Plan Phase.

Questions? Check our FAQs for answers.

KEY DELIVERABLES

 
When you complete deliverables in the Define Phase, you answer the following key questions:

• Is this the right project?
• What results should it achieve?
• How will success be measured?

Project Definition Document Template

Business Case Template

KEY RESOURCES

These job aids will help you complete project management deliverables in this phase. See the Resources section for other materials that may be useful.

Stakeholder Identification Checklist

Three Key Questions

Project Definition Document Preparation Guidelines

Business Case Preparation Guidelines

Quality Assurance Guide for Project Definition Documents