PM 302 The Business Case for Projects

Before projects are ever started a decision is made to proceed, but do these decisions always follow a logical process? Decisions to initiate projects can be driven by internal and/or external factors and can include influencers such as organizational mission, economic climate, customer service needs and business strategies, just to name a few. The challenge to project managers and their organizations is to develop and follow consistent, equitable and proven methodologies for making these project go/no-go decisions. Choosing the right decision criteria and employing appropriate decision making tools require an understanding of the overall context and implications of initiating projects, big, or small. This session will present the common project initiation considerations faced by organizations and discuss the application and issues surrounding them. Decision making criteria including strategy, risk, and benefits will be presented and proven financial analysis techniques will be reviewed. The workshop will conclude with participants placed into groups to implement the decision making criteria and tools using proposed project scenarios. Session is eligible for 6 PMI PDUs. Led by Melissa Rohland P.E. and Albert Sarvis PMP