PROJECT DISCOVERY

Prior to the Initiation phase, there is an evaluative phase called discovery, where the “idea” is explored to determine whether it is a viable project vs an operation vs a “just do it” activity. This phase also determines whether the idea moves forward for further evaluation in the project lifecycle process.  The completion of this phase ends with the determination of project feasibility, assessment of project level, and development of the business case for approval.

Discovery begins after ideas are prioritized. A Business Case is developed that conveys a clear description of the business challenge(s) that needs to be solved, the benefits of the project aligned with organizational strategy, and the information needed to prioritize work against initiatives within the portfolio. Feasibility and Project Level Assessments are completed. Once the work in this phase is complete, deliverables are submitted to the portfolio management process for review, acceptance, and prioritization.

Value of Discovery

The Discovery phase is important because this part of the project life-cycle is where problem/idea identification and solution definition take place. The governance board evaluates the idea and makes a decision to carry it forward for further consideration as a portfolio project. Additionally, the business need is defined, the need for resources justified, and the prioritization process completed. Further results include clearly describing the business challenge(s) to be solved, aligning the benefits of the project with the organization’s strategic goals/objectives, assessing the idea’s feasibility, the management effort needed, and the information needed to prioritize this work against other initiatives within the portfolio has been collected.

Topics Covered

  • Strategic Alignment
  • Business Case Development
  • Project Level Assessment
  • Operations vs. Projects

 

Templates Provided

  • Project Level Assessment
  • Operations vs. Projects Checklist
  • Business Case Alternatives Analysis Worksheet
  • Business Case Template