Project Portfolio Management: A View From The Management Trenches

8.4. THE BUSINESS CASE AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

If the project proposal successfully navigates through Gate 1, then the decision board sends the proposed project information to the finance department (Step 3) so they are aware that this project may need to be added to the budget if authorized in Step 6. The decision board also allocates funding for the development of a formal business case and project management plan (Step 4).

Foundational Tool Business case

The project management plan usually consists of several deliverables. Which deliverables, as well as the amount of content in them, depends on a variety of factors, including project size, complexity, scope, cost, and benefits expected. Possible deliverables include:

• Statement of work

• Project charter

• Work breakdown structure

• Schedule

• Responsibility assignment matrix

• Communication plan

• Budget plan

• Risk management plan

• Change management plan.

Foundational Tool Project management plan