OBS 220
Chapter 2 – Identifying and selecting projects
Learning outcomes
1. Discuss how projects are identified and selected
2. Explain how projects are prioritised and selected
3. Identify and describe at least eight elements of a project charter
4. Prepare a project charter
5. Prepare a RFR / understand a tender
Project Identification
This occurs in the initiating phase of the project life cycle where a need, problem
or opportunity is identified. A project is thereafter identified to address that need.
Projects are identified in various ways;
- During strategic planning (e.g. a project to gain market share)
- During normal business operations (e.g. a project to reduce indirect
costs)
- In response to unexpected events (e.g. a project to rebuild after flood)
- To resolve/ address an existing need or problem (e.g. project to feed
homeless)
NB
• When identifying projects, it is very important to clearly identify the need.
• Gather data about the need/ opportunity to determine if it’s worth
pursuing.
• Sometimes organisations identify several needs, but they have limited
funding and people available to address them all.
• Org must go through a decision-making process to prioritize needs.
, Project Selection
Project selection involves evaluating potential projects and then deciding which
of these should be implemented.
The advantages and disadvantages/ benefits and consequences of each project
must be considered.
- These can be quantitative, qualitative, tangible and intangible
- Examples;
Þ Quantitative benefits = financial benefits ( e.g. increasing sales)
Þ Intangible benefits = improving company’s public image/
employee morale
Þ Quantitative consequences = cost requires to implement project
Þ Intangible consequences = legal barriers/ reaction from
advocacy group
Steps in project selection process
1) Develop a set of criteria against which the project will be evaluated.
2) List assumptions that will be used as the basis for each project.
3) Gather data/ info for the projects to ensure intelligent decisions are made
regarding project selection. Quantitative and qualitative data.
4) Evaluate the project against criteria. Several individuals with diZerent
expertise should be involved in evaluation process.
Project Evaluation form
Project manager should develop a project evaluation form that
- Lists the criteria
- Leaves space for comments and rating
Each committee member should complete this form.
Chapter 2 – Identifying and selecting projects
Learning outcomes
1. Discuss how projects are identified and selected
2. Explain how projects are prioritised and selected
3. Identify and describe at least eight elements of a project charter
4. Prepare a project charter
5. Prepare a RFR / understand a tender
Project Identification
This occurs in the initiating phase of the project life cycle where a need, problem
or opportunity is identified. A project is thereafter identified to address that need.
Projects are identified in various ways;
- During strategic planning (e.g. a project to gain market share)
- During normal business operations (e.g. a project to reduce indirect
costs)
- In response to unexpected events (e.g. a project to rebuild after flood)
- To resolve/ address an existing need or problem (e.g. project to feed
homeless)
NB
• When identifying projects, it is very important to clearly identify the need.
• Gather data about the need/ opportunity to determine if it’s worth
pursuing.
• Sometimes organisations identify several needs, but they have limited
funding and people available to address them all.
• Org must go through a decision-making process to prioritize needs.
, Project Selection
Project selection involves evaluating potential projects and then deciding which
of these should be implemented.
The advantages and disadvantages/ benefits and consequences of each project
must be considered.
- These can be quantitative, qualitative, tangible and intangible
- Examples;
Þ Quantitative benefits = financial benefits ( e.g. increasing sales)
Þ Intangible benefits = improving company’s public image/
employee morale
Þ Quantitative consequences = cost requires to implement project
Þ Intangible consequences = legal barriers/ reaction from
advocacy group
Steps in project selection process
1) Develop a set of criteria against which the project will be evaluated.
2) List assumptions that will be used as the basis for each project.
3) Gather data/ info for the projects to ensure intelligent decisions are made
regarding project selection. Quantitative and qualitative data.
4) Evaluate the project against criteria. Several individuals with diZerent
expertise should be involved in evaluation process.
Project Evaluation form
Project manager should develop a project evaluation form that
- Lists the criteria
- Leaves space for comments and rating
Each committee member should complete this form.
