Intelligent governance framework and project management templates
Project Inception Template
Comprehensive project inception phase checklist and documentation with detailed guidance for junior PMs
Overall Progress: 0% Complete
Enterprise Data Platform Migration
To be assigned
project Definition Vision
Pending
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Clearly articulate the current business problem with specific impacts. Include quantifiable pain points (e.g., 'Legacy systems cause 15 hours of downtime monthly, costing £50k'). Focus on operational inefficiencies, cost impacts, and competitive disadvantages.
problem Statement not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Define the desired future state after project completion. Should be inspiring, specific, and measurable. Example: 'To modernize our technology infrastructure, enabling seamless operations, improved customer experience, and sustainable business growth through digital transformation.'
vision Statement not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Explain how this project supports broader organizational strategy. Link to strategic initiatives, business objectives, and competitive positioning. Show clear connection to company goals and priorities.
strategic Alignment not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Define 3-5 specific, measurable outcomes that will indicate project success. Use SMART criteria with baseline and target values. Examples: '40% reduction in system downtime', '25% improvement in operational efficiency'.
success Metrics not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Summarize the overall value delivery in one compelling statement. Include financial benefits, operational improvements, and strategic advantages. Should answer 'Why should we invest in this project?'
value Proposition not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
charter Approval not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
stakeholder Analysis
Pending
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Create a 2x2 grid: High Power + High Interest = Manage Closely (Champions), High Power + Low Interest = Keep Satisfied, Low Power + Low Interest = Monitor. Identify specific individuals in each quadrant.
power Interest Matrix not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Define who is Responsible (does the work), Accountable (signs off), Consulted (provides input), and Informed (receives updates) for key project activities. Ensure clear accountability and avoid confusion.
raci Matrix not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Define communication frequency, methods, content, and audiences. Include regular updates, decision points, and escalation procedures. Tailor messaging to each stakeholder group's needs and interests.
communication Plan not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Plan how to manage the human side of change. Include change readiness assessment, resistance management, and adoption strategies. Consider training, support, and incentives needed.
change Management Strategy not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Assess what training will be required for different user groups. Include technical training, process changes, and new ways of working. Plan timing, delivery methods, and success measures.
training Needs not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
feasibility Assessment
Pending
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Assess if the solution can be built with available technology. Consider: Technology stack validation, integration complexity, performance requirements, security needs, and technical constraints. Rate as High/Medium/Low with justification.
technical Feasibility not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Evaluate if the project is financially viable. Include: Budget availability, ROI analysis, cost-benefit validation, funding sources, and financial risks. Consider both initial investment and ongoing costs.
financial Feasibility not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Determine if the organization can operate the new solution. Assess: Process impact, change readiness, support model, operational complexity, and business continuity during transition.
operational Feasibility not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Evaluate if the timeline is realistic. Consider: Resource availability, dependency complexity, external factors, and competing priorities. Identify critical path and potential delays.
schedule Feasibility not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
Medium
risk Assessment
Pending
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Create a comprehensive risk register with: Risk ID, Description, Category (Technical/Business/External), Probability (High/Medium/Low), Risk Score, Owner, and Status. Include both threats and opportunities.
risk Register not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
For each risk, define response strategy: Avoid (eliminate the risk), Mitigate (reduce probability/impact), Transfer (insurance, contracts), or Accept (monitor and respond if occurs). Assign owners and timelines.
response Strategies not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Develop specific action plans for high-impact risks. Include: Trigger conditions, response team, communication plan, resource requirements, and recovery procedures. Test plans where possible.
contingency Plans not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Establish how risks will be tracked and managed throughout the project. Include: Review frequency, escalation criteria, reporting format, and decision-making process for risk responses.
monitoring Process not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
business Case Investment
Pending
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Provide high-level investment overview: Total investment amount, expected ROI percentage, payback period, and NPV over 3-5 years. Include key assumptions and success factors.
investment Summary not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Detail all project costs by category: Development/implementation, infrastructure, training, change management, contingency. Include both one-time and ongoing costs with timing.
cost Breakdown not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Quantify all expected benefits: Cost savings (operational efficiency, reduced maintenance), revenue increases (new capabilities, faster time-to-market), risk reduction (compliance, security). Use conservative estimates.
benefits Quantification not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Calculate return on investment using standard financial metrics: ROI percentage, payback period, NPV, IRR. Include sensitivity analysis showing best/worst case scenarios.
roi Analysis not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Test how changes in key assumptions affect the business case. Vary cost estimates, benefit realization, and timeline to understand risk to ROI. Identify break-even points.
sensitivity Analysis not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
governance Approvals
Pending
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Define project governance: Steering committee composition, project board structure, decision-making authority, and escalation paths. Include roles, responsibilities, and meeting cadence.
governance Structure not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Track approval status from key stakeholders: Executive sponsor, finance committee, IT steering committee, compliance team. Include approval dates, conditions, and outstanding items.
approval Status not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Create decision authority matrix showing who can make what decisions at what value thresholds. Include budget approvals, scope changes, resource allocation, and go/no-go decisions.
decision Authority not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Define reporting relationships and communication flows. Include regular reporting schedule, dashboard requirements, exception reporting, and stakeholder communication protocols.
reporting Structure not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
readiness Assessment
Pending
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Assess business readiness across: Stakeholder buy-in (%), process readiness (%), change readiness (%). Rate each area and provide overall business readiness score with supporting evidence.
business Readiness not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Evaluate technical readiness: Infrastructure readiness (%), technical team capability (%), integration complexity assessment. Consider technical dependencies and constraints.
technical Readiness not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Assess organizational capability: Change management readiness (%), resource availability (%), cultural readiness for change. Include training needs and support requirements.
organizational Readiness not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
overall Readiness Score not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Define immediate actions required before project can proceed: Outstanding approvals, resource allocation, vendor selection, risk mitigation actions. Include owners and timelines.
next Steps not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
💡 Guidance Available
💡 What Good Looks Like:
Provide clear recommendations: Proceed/defer/cancel decision, conditions for proceeding, areas requiring attention, and success factors for project delivery.
recommendations not yet defined - use the guidance above to complete this section
Inception Progress Summary
Complete all sections to proceed to detailed project planning