Project Initiation - Questions we shouldn't skip when kicking off our project.

Asking the correct questions is crucial when initiating the project because it allows us to get a clear understanding of what the client wants and needs. It also allows us to identify any potential problems that may arise during the project. As a way to help you manage your projects more effectively, we gathered some of the key questions we should ask during the initial phase of our project which will eventually help us establish clear objectives for the project.

What business problem does the project seek to solve?

It is important to understand the business problem that a project seeks to solve in order to determine whether the project is worth pursuing. If a project does not address a business problem, it is likely to be less successful. Additionally, understanding the business problem can help to ensure that the project is properly scoped and that the correct solution is pursued.

What are the specific goals and objectives of the project?

The specific goals and objectives of a project help to define the project's scope and ensure that all stakeholders are aware of and agree upon the project's goals. Having a shared understanding of the project's goals helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives and prevents scope creep.

If you want to know what scope creep is in project management, click this link to know more about this important concept.

Who are the stakeholders of the project?

We should ask who the stakeholders of the project are in order to identify and assess their interests, needs, and expectations. This information is important for developing a successful project plan and ensuring that the project meets the stakeholders' needs and expectations.

What is the expected timeline for the project?

The expected timeline for the project is important to know so that you can gauge how long it will take to complete and if it is feasible within the time frame that you have. Some good ideas to define the timeline are:

Create a Gantt chart to define and track the timeline of the project.
Create a work breakdown structure to identify and track the tasks that need to be completed.
Use a project management software to create a project schedule and track the project timeline

What is the budget for the project?

Budget is an important factor in any project. It determines how much money is available to spend on the project and how much the project will cost. Asking about the budget will help to ensure that the project can be completed within the available funds.

What are the risks and challenges associated with the project?

There are many risks and challenges associated with any project, and it is important to identify and assess these risks and challenges in order to ensure the success of the project. By asking what are the risks and challenges associated with the project, we can ensure that we are aware of all potential risks and challenges and can plan accordingly.

What are the dependencies of the project?

There are a few reasons why it is important to ask what the dependencies of the project are:

To ensure that all necessary dependencies are accounted for and included in the project plan.
To avoid potential conflicts between different dependencies.
To make sure that the project can be completed successfully despite potential changes or delays to individual dependencies.

Bottom Line is...

We should always be sure to be assertive with the questions we ask when initiating the project because this will help to ensure that we are on the same page with our clients and that we understand their needs and expectations.