Project Business Case, Project Charter and Project Management Plan and Agile Context

25/12/2023

Project Business Case

Certainly! A project business case is a document that provides a justification for initiating a project. It outlines the reasons why a project is necessary and how it will be beneficial to the organization. Here's a template and some key components typically included in a project business case:

Project Business Case Template:

Executive Summary:

  • Brief overview of the project.
  • Highlights of key benefits and objectives.
  • Minimal Viable Product (For Projects managed using Agile Framework and methodologies)

Business Reason/Purpose: 

  • Why project is needed , which business problem does it solve?

Expected Benefits :  

  • Expected benefits are the measurable value of the project outcome,  can be financial or non financial .

Timeline:

  • Provide a project timeline with key milestones and deadlines.
  • Highlight any dependencies that may affect the schedule.

Financial Analysis / Investment Appraisal (Business Justification section of the business case)

  • Cost estimation: Outline the budget required for the project.
  • Revenue projection: If applicable, provide estimates of the financial benefits.
  • Benefit to cost ratio, IRR (Internal rate of return), NPV (Net Present Value)

Alternatives Considered or Business Options 

  • Outline alternative solutions or approaches that were considered.
  • Explain why the chosen project is the most viable option.

 Major Risks :

  • Identify potential risks and challenges associated with the project.
  • Develop a risk mitigation plan.

Approval and Authorization:

  • Clearly state the request for approval and authorization to proceed.
  • Include signatures or approvals from key stakeholders.

Tips:

  • Keep it concise and focused.
  • Use data and metrics to support your points.
  • Tailor the business case to your audience (executives, stakeholders, etc.).

Remember, the project business case serves as a guide and reference throughout the project life cycle. It helps ensure that the project remains aligned with organizational goals and provides a basis for decision-making. 

Project Charter

A project charter is a formal document that provides authorization and defines the scope, objectives, and overall direction of a project. It serves as a critical reference point throughout the project lifecycle, helping to ensure that everyone involved understands the purpose, goals, and key details of the project. The project charter is typically developed at the initiation phase of a project and is approved by key stakeholders, including project sponsors and relevant authorities. Here are the key components typically included in a project charter:

  • Project Title and Description: Clearly state the name and a brief description of the project
  • Project Objectives and the  related success criteria: Outline the specific goals and the related key performance indicator 
  • Projects high level requirement and major deliverables: High level requirements project description , Key deliverables and  boundaries
  • Key stakeholder Stakeholders List:  Identify and list the key stakeholders involved in or affected by the project
  • Summary milestone schedule : a visual representation of the significant events or achievements in a project's timeline. It highlights key points that mark progress and completion of major project phases. A summary milestone schedule provides a concise overview of these critical dates and events. 
  • Overall Project Risks: Major risk that can impact the outcome of the project
  • Project approval requirement: Project approval requirements typically involve a formal process through which a proposed project is evaluated, authorized, and sanctioned by relevant stakeholders and authorities. The approval process ensures that the project aligns with organizational goals, has a well-defined scope, is financially viable, and has the necessary support for successful execution.
  • Project Exit criteria : Project exit criteria are predefined conditions or standards that must be met before a project can be considered complete and formally closed. These criteria ensure that the project has achieved its objectives, meets quality standards, and is ready for closure without any outstanding issues. Establishing clear exit criteria is essential for a systematic and controlled project closure.  
  • Assigned Project Manager / Authority Level and responsibility 
  • Name and the authority of the project sponsor

Project Management Plan

A Project Management Plan (PMP) is a comprehensive document that serves as a roadmap for how a project will be planned, executed, monitored, controlled, and closed. It provides essential information to guide project team members, stakeholders, and decision-makers throughout the project lifecycle. The contents of a Project Management Plan may vary based on the size and nature of the project, but it typically includes the following key components:

Baselines : Baseline means reference point and is a key component of the project management plan. Most plans will include a description of how the integrity of the project baselines will be maintained. There are a few common baselines used when developing a project management plan:

  • Scope baseline
  • Schedule baseline
  • Cost baseline
  • Performance measurement baseline

Subsidiary plans : There are a number of subsidiary plans that will be integrated in the overall project management plan. Some of them are :

  • Scope management plan
  • Requirements management plan
  • Schedule management plan
  • Cost management plan
  • Quality management plan
  • Resource management plan
  • Communications management plan
  • Risk management plan
  • Procurement management plan
  • Stakeholder engagement plan
  • Configuration management plan
  • Change management plan
  • Compliance management plan (While not an official sub-plan, it might be included in the project management plan.)

Life cycle : The plan may include a specific life cycle selected for the project and processes that will be applied to each phase of the project.

Project processes : Project processes selected for a specific process will be stated within the plan. These descriptions can include: Project management processes selected by the project management team. Level of implementation for each selected process.. Descriptions of the tools and techniques to be used for accomplishing those processes. Description of how the selected processes will be used to manage the specific project, including dependencies and interactions among those processes and the essential inputs and outputs.

Work explanation : An explanation of how project work will be executed to meet the project's objectives

Agile project plan: For agile managed projects, documentation on how the team will work together on the project, and manage resources, decisions, timing, and other process related plans.

Project Exit Criteria

Project exit criteria are predefined conditions or benchmarks that must be met before a project can be considered complete and ready for closure. These criteria help ensure that the project has achieved its objectives, met quality standards, and is ready for handover or delivery. The specific exit criteria may vary depending on the nature and scope of the project, but here are some common examples:

  1. Completion of Deliverables: All project deliverables, including documentation, software, or any other agreed-upon outputs, must be completed and meet the predefined quality standards.

  2. Achievement of Objectives: The project must have met its defined goals and objectives as outlined in the project scope and requirements. This could include achieving specific performance targets, functionality, or other project objectives.

  3. Customer/User Acceptance: The customer or end users must formally accept the project deliverables. This acceptance may involve testing, validation, and approval of the final product.

  4. Quality Standards: The project must meet the quality standards and specifications set forth in the project plan. This includes adherence to industry standards and best practices.

  5. Budget Compliance: The project should have adhered to the approved budget. Variances from the budget should be justified, and any outstanding financial matters should be resolved.

  6. Timeline Adherence: The project must be completed within the agreed-upon timeframe. Any delays should be properly documented and justified.

  7. Resource Release: All project resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities, should be released from the project and reassigned to other activities or projects.

  8. Risk Management: All identified risks should be addressed and mitigated or accepted, and any outstanding issues should be resolved.

  9. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation, including project plans, reports, and user manuals, should be completed and organized for future reference.

  10. Stakeholder Satisfaction: Stakeholders, including project sponsors, team members, and other relevant parties, should express satisfaction with the project outcomes.

  11. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the project complies with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

  12. Knowledge Transfer: If applicable, knowledge transfer should occur, ensuring that the necessary information is passed on to those who will support or maintain the project deliverables.

It's important for these exit criteria to be well-defined and agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders at the beginning of the project to provide a clear path to project closure.

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the Project Business Case

1. What is the primary purpose of a project business case?

A) To document technical specifications
B) To justify the project and secure approval for funding
C) To list team members' roles and responsibilities
D) To provide a detailed project schedule

Answer: B) To justify the project and secure approval for funding

2. Which of the following is NOT a key component of a project business case?

A) Project justification
B) Risk assessment
C) Market research analysis
D) Expected benefits

Answer: C) Market research analysis

3. Who is typically responsible for the success of a project business case?

A) Project Sponsor
B) Project Manager
C) Business Analyst
D) Chief Financial Officer

Answer: A) Project Sponsor

4. When should a project business case be developed?

A) During the project execution phase
B) Before the project initiation
C) After the project is completed
D) At the end of the planning phase

Answer: B) Before the project initiation

5. A project business case should include which of the following financial metrics?

A) Net Present Value (NPV)
B) Return on Investment (ROI)
C) Payback Period
D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

6. Which document is typically derived from the project business case?

A) Project Charter
B) Stakeholder Register
C) Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
D) Risk Register

Answer: A) Project Charter

7. What happens if a project business case is not approved?

A) The project can still proceed with a reduced budget
B) The project is postponed or canceled
C) The project team is restructured
D) The project is executed under a different name

Answer: B) The project is postponed or canceled

8. Which of the following best describes the difference between a business case and a feasibility study?

A) A business case focuses on project justification, while a feasibility study assesses project viability
B) A feasibility study is optional, but a business case is mandatory
C) A business case is created after the feasibility study
D) There is no difference; they are the same

Answer: A) A business case focuses on project justification, while a feasibility study assesses project viability

9. Which stakeholder is most likely to approve the project business case?

A) Project Manager
B) Project Sponsor
C) Chief Technology Officer
D) Project Team Members

Answer: B) Project Sponsor

10. What should a well-prepared project business case include?

A) Justification, Options Analysis, Benefits, Costs, and Risks
B) Team Structure, Budget, Schedule, and Communication Plan
C) Detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
D) Supplier Agreements and Contracts

Answer: A) Justification, Options Analysis, Benefits, Costs, and Risks

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on Project Charter:

1. What is the primary purpose of a project charter?

A) To define project requirements in detail
B) To formally authorize a project and give the project manager authority
C) To list team members and their responsibilities
D) To create a detailed project schedule

Answer: B) To formally authorize a project and give the project manager authority

2. Who is typically responsible for signing and approving the project charter?

A) Project Manager
B) Project Sponsor
C) Project Team
D) Customer

Answer: B) Project Sponsor

3. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a project charter?

A) Project objectives
B) Risk register
C) High-level budget
D) High-level project timeline

Answer: B) Risk register

4. When is the project charter created?

A) Before the project initiation
B) During project planning
C) During project execution
D) At project closure

Answer: A) Before the project initiation

5. What is the relationship between a project charter and a business case?

A) The business case is created before the project charter
B) The project charter replaces the business case
C) They are both created at the same time
D) The project charter is developed before the business case

Answer: A) The business case is created before the project charter

6. Which of the following best describes the authority granted by a project charter?

A) It provides detailed task assignments for the team
B) It gives the project manager the authority to execute the project
C) It defines the project's operational procedures
D) It outlines the technical specifications of the project

Answer: B) It gives the project manager the authority to execute the project

7. A well-prepared project charter should include:

A) Project objectives, high-level risks, and stakeholder list
B) Detailed scope statement and complete budget breakdown
C) Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and communication plan
D) Supplier agreements and contract terms

Answer: A) Project objectives, high-level risks, and stakeholder list

8. If a project lacks a formal project charter, what is the potential risk?

A) The project may proceed faster due to fewer approvals
B) The project team may lack clear authority and direction
C) The project will have an easier time securing resources
D) There will be no impact on the project

Answer: B) The project team may lack clear authority and direction

9. Which statement is true about the project charter?

A) It is a detailed project management plan
B) It is an informal document that does not require approval
C) It provides the project manager with formal authority
D) It is only required for large projects

Answer: C) It provides the project manager with formal authority

10. What is the role of sponsor in the project charter?

A) They define the scope in detail
B) They approve and sponsor the project charter
C) They manage day-to-day project activities
D) They execute tasks assigned in the project plan

Answer: B) They approve and sponsor the project charter

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Project Management Plan

1. What is the primary purpose of a Project Management Plan?

A) To authorize the project and assign a project manager
B) To define how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled
C) To list all project stakeholders and their responsibilities
D) To provide a detailed financial analysis of the project

Answer: B) To define how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled

2. Which of the following is NOT a key component of a Project Management Plan?

A) Scope Management Plan
B) Communications Management Plan
C) Business Case
D) Risk Management Plan

Answer: C) Business Case

3. Who is primarily responsible for developing the Project Management Plan?

A) Project Sponsor
B) Project Manager
C) Project Team
D) Customer

Answer: B) Project Manager

4. At what stage of a project is the Project Management Plan created?

A) Initiation
B) Planning
C) Execution
D) Closure

Answer: B) Planning

5. What happens if a Project Management Plan is not followed?

A) The project is automatically terminated
B) There may be increased risks, scope creep, and inefficiencies
C) The project team works independently without coordination
D) The project continues as planned without any issues

Answer: B) There may be increased risks, scope creep, and inefficiencies

6. Which of the following is a subsidiary plan of the Project Management Plan?

A) Project Charter
B) Feasibility Study
C) Cost Management Plan
D) Business Case

Answer: C) Cost Management Plan

7. The Project Management Plan is a __________ document.

A) Static
B) Confidential
C) Living
D) Legal

Answer: C) Living

8. What is the primary purpose of the Change Management Plan in a Project Management Plan?

A) To avoid all project changes
B) To document and control changes in the project
C) To track project costs
D) To define project milestones

Answer: B) To document and control changes in the project

9. The Project Management Plan is formally approved by:

A) Project Team
B) Project Sponsor or Steering Committee
C) End Users
D) Functional Managers

Answer: B) Project Sponsor or Steering Committee

10. What is the relationship between the Project Charter and the Project Management Plan?

A) The Project Charter is created after the Project Management Plan
B) The Project Charter provides high-level authorization, while the Project Management Plan provides detailed execution guidelines
C) The Project Management Plan replaces the Project Charter
D) The Project Charter and Project Management Plan are the same document

Answer: B) The Project Charter provides high-level authorization, while the Project Management Plan provides detailed execution guidelines