Project Definition
Project
Lead
Project manager
Date dd/mm/yy
Version 0.01
Status
Date
Date
Version
Version
Status
Status
First draft for review
by.........................
Purpose: This document is a summary of [project name] in terms of why it is
needed, what it must achieve, its governance arrangements and how it will be
managed.
1. Purpose and objectives of the project
2. Justification and business context
3. Success criteria
Measurable criteria, critical success factors and reference to any relevant corporate Key
Performance Indicators
4. Outcomes and Benefits
The outcomes and benefits anticipated from the programme e.g.:
Programme Governenance
Page 1 of 5
example project definition template
Project Definition











Compliance with
Improvement in
Ability to
Reduction of
More of
Less of
Savings in
Avoidance of
Better
Faster
Happier
5. Scope of project
The project covers…
Outside the scope are:




6. Project team
7. Governance arrangements
For example:



Reporting
Stakeholder Engagement
Quality Management
Programme Governenance
Page 2 of 5
example project definition template
Project Definition




Information
Monitoring and Control
Resource Management (inc. procurement approach)
Risks and issues
8. Project plan
a) Summary of the Programme Plan
Perhaps including the overall programme schedule in Bar chart/ Gantt chart form.
b) Key Milestones:
Milestone: Description:
M1
M2
M3
M4
M5
M6
M7
M8
M9
M90
Review of achievement
M99
Lessons Learned review
Target date:
9. Summary of key risks and issues
Programme Governenance
Page 3 of 5
example project definition template
Project Definition
10. Stakeholder summary
List of stakeholders in relevant groupings (e.g. resource providers, users, customers)
For each stakeholder an explanation of their interests, influence, how they will be
impacted and their degree of support for the programme might be provided.
A summary of the key features of the stakeholder engagement strategy and
communications plan should be provided.
Programme Governenance
Page 4 of 5
example project definition template
Project Definition
Programme Definition
Page 5 of 5
example project definition template