Project Management For Dummies, 4th Edition

Chapter 18

Ten Questions to Ask Yourself as You Plan Your Project

In This Chapter

Clarifying your project’s purpose

Defining the outcomes, schedules, and resources your project requires

Dealing with the uncertainties

When you begin a project, you always feel the pressure to jump in and start working immediately to meet the aggressive time schedules. Although you’re not exactly sure where to start, you know you have the greatest chance of success if you plan out your project before you begin the actual work. Answer the ten questions in this chapter to make sure you’ve completely identified all the work your project will require.

What’s the Purpose of Your Project?

An accurate appreciation of your project’s purpose can lead to better plans, a greater sense of team member commitment, and improved performance. As soon as you’re assigned to your project, get a clear and complete picture of its significance. You can do so by determining the following:

What situation(s) led to your project? ...