Project launch: 4 key steps to follow

The project launch phase consists of defining the overall project and identifying the stakeholders. The phase begins by defining the various goals to be achieved, the scope of the project, and the various constraints. This charter must then be approved by the stakeholders. This plan must be clear enough to obtain the approval of the stakeholders before moving on to the next step, which is the planning phase.

In this article, we will see why the start-up phase of the project is so important.

[Also read: what are the 5 phases of project management?]

By understanding the different phases of a project, you will be able to better plan and organize your work to achieve more accurate and realistic results.

What is the project launch?

Project launch is the first phase of project management, and it is at this point that companies decide if the project is necessary and what its beneficial impact will be.

Why is the project launch important?

• To evaluate a proposed project and determine expectations, the business case and feasibility study are used;
• The project charter and stakeholder selection must be done so that all are aware of the objectives to be achieved;
• Regular checks are made during and after its execution to ensure good communication and guarantee its adequate progress. However, time and resources should not be wasted unnecessarily, as this can be detrimental to the final results desired by the client.

For this reason, good management starts with a clear goal that can be used as a guide throughout the process. 

1- Creation of a project charter or business case

These two documents express the same ideas, namely that both the business case and the project charter are used to present key information about a project. However, they differ in their scope or perimeter: while a business case is generally used for larger, more complex projects, a project charter can be used for smaller projects.

• The business case shows how the project fits into the company’s long-term strategies. It explains why it is necessary to allocate technical, financial, and human resources to this specific project in order to achieve the desired objectives.
• The project charter identifies the scope and objectives, team members, and possible timeline for the project.

A business case or project charter is designed to satisfy senior management and allow them to approve the project. It contains no technical information but focuses on the business aspects, emphasizing the potential financial and business risks.

2- Define key stakeholders

After creating the document, you need to determine who should approve your project charter or business case. These are the key stakeholders.

The project manager must effectively manage communications and negotiations with project stakeholders.

Stakeholders are defined by the PMBOK as anyone who may be affected by or have an impact on the project. And these stakeholders may be internal or external to the organization and have different communication needs. It is therefore important for the project manager to keep a register of stakeholders in order to determine the appropriate frequency and means of communicating with each stakeholder according to their influence and interest in the project.

3- Realization of a feasibility study

The next step is to calculate the likelihood of the project’s success by considering the relevant factors. This analysis examines the constraints and assumptions of the project to determine whether or not it is worth pursuing.

A feasibility study assesses the possibility of your project succeeding. If you can say yes, then you have every reason to go ahead. If not, you can readjust the plan accordingly or seize another opportunity.

4-Constitution of the project team

Without a project team, no project can be launched. A key element of the project initiation phase is the formation of a functioning project team and the assignment of roles and responsibilities. Early assignment of roles and responsibilities also increases the overall accountability of the entire team and can help you, as the project manager, in the later stages of the project life cycle.

Consider the tool with which your team will collaborate on daily tasks. For example, if you choose a project management software, which tool should you use to manage your project and which methods should you use to carry out your project ? Some examples of such tools are Primavera P6, Oracle Primavera Cloud or Deltek Acumen.

For any clarification or advice on project planning, do not hesitate to contact our services. We will take the time to talk with you about your projects and help you find ways to manage them, or…