A Project Initiation Document is a document created by project managers before the start of a project. The PID complies with project goals, scope, business value, and project risks. This Project Initiation Document template is also called a project brief or a project charter.
The main objective of a PID is to create a project overview for stakeholders which can be understood by the stakeholders in terms of the project objectives and approach. The PID includes the what, when, why, where, and who of project management for the team. This provides the stakeholders with an insight into a project plan, project objectives, and key deliverables.
What is a Project Initiation Document Template
A PID is a project initiation outline. It is used when you create new projects and fill in the relevant information. This saves time for the project managers when they create a new Project Initiation Document.
Why a Project Initiation Document Template
Some of the benefits of using a Project Initiation Document template are:
- A PID template creates consistency across projects. It helps streamline the process of project creation, so you can easily follow the steps when you start a new project.
- It allows the customization of teams. You can customize the template to match the needs of your projects.
- The PID template provides the stakeholders with a context. Stakeholders need to get quick information with context while they manage different projects at the same time. Using a PID template enables them to find information with ease without hunting for it or having meetings.
Elements of a Project Initiation Document Template
A good PID template must have all the important information needed by the stakeholders. It should include:
- Project objectives or goals: This states the business objectives and what the project will achieve.
- Metrics: They are tracked to monitor the project’s success.
- Scope: It includes the scope, budget, and the timeline.
- Communication plan: This includes information about the way the team will communicate.
- Resource: It includes information about key resources including their management and allocation.
- Stakeholders: Individuals who are part of the project.
- Risks: This section includes risk analysis and RAID log.
Project Initiation Document Best Practices
Along with writing the information needed and defining the project, make sure you follow the given PID best practices:
- Confirm objectives with all stakeholders. Make sure that you get all the stakeholders and clients engaged on the same page. The best way to do this is to receive feedback by sharing the PID draft.
- Confirm scope and deliverables. Make sure you have the exact project scope before you start. Avoid scope creep and write all the information down in a PID.
- Identify challenges in the PID. Identify risks in advance to avoid them or be prepared to tackle them when they occur.
- Share the document with all parties. A PID is a valuable document when shared with every stakeholder who is relevant to the project. Make sure you share the document and keep it for review when your team member needs it.
Project Initiation Document FAQs
What are the steps included in project initiation?
They are creating a business case or a project charter, identifying stakeholders and pitching the project, running a feasibility study, and assembling your tools and team.
How is a PID created?
The best way is to use a template as it provides you with a framework.
What makes a good PID?
A good PID should clearly define the scope of the project, what’s out of the scope of the project and what’s in the scope of the project. The PID must also address the success criteria for the project, things that must be completed for the project to be considered successful.
What are the challenges of project initiation?
The main challenges faced during the project initiation are creating a list of tasks, assigning authority, planning project cost, prioritizing stakeholders list and expectations, and prioritizing goals. All of these challenges must be dealt with otherwise the project’s success is at risk.