Review of Start up (Review 1)
Review 1 is the first formal review of a project's progress. It is quite possible that the Sponsor has already had several meetings with various combinations of people, there may even have been Board meetings. But this Review is held at a key decision point after the initial work has started on a project, but before the planning work starts in detail. Who is involved at this meeting very much depends on the size of the project. In medium and large size projects, this should be a full meeting of the board plus others who can help you understand progress. In small projects it might be the sponsor and manager, although do think about who else could add value and invite them too. It isn't a secretive process. It's about getting a really clear picture of how things are going. Remember, if the review shows that a project is not viable or not meeting a priority or business need, then the project should be stopped.
The aim of Review 1 is to:
- Look back at the Start-up phase and check whether the first draft or Strategic business case is made.
- Scrutinise and agree the project plan for the Planning phase that follows.
Review of Start Up Phase
The Leaflet 'Review Prompt' (contact the Corporate Programme Office for a copy) gives a reasonably comprehensive list of the sort of questions a Sponsor will probably want to ask. They include:
- Is the Strategic or first draft Business Case made? In other words, does the project appear to:
- Meet a business need and contribute to a Service or Directorate plan? How?
- Be affordable and achievable?
- Is there a clear project scope?
- Have we explored enough options?
- Have we Directorate Finance approval?
- Have we sought advice from everyone we need to, such as property or HR?
- Do we have stakeholder support?
- Do we know the major risks?
Scrutiny of Project Plans for Planning Phase
After start up, the project enters the key planning phase. At Review 1, the Sponsor, Board and manager should be scrutinising the plans for this phase to ensure that it can be delivered.
- All the planned tasks identified will deliver the key outputs needed for the PID:
- Outline or next stage Business Case
- Risk Management Strategy
- Stakeholder Strategy
- Project Plan
- Communications Plan
- If relevant, any procurement strategy
- There are sufficient resources for all the tasks in the planning phase to be completed on time;
- The milestones and dates give the team sufficient time, not enough or too much;
- The right people are engaged in the process.
Once Review 1 has been conducted and approval to continue has been given, you can progress onto the Project Planning & Initiation Phase.
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