Pre-Construction

Online Guide

Initiate and Align the Team

Process

Activity:

Establish Boundaries

Revision

July 1, 2005

Description:

Boundaries describe the limits of the project with regard to the project team’s responsibilities and decision-making authority. They are the physical boundaries; e.g., design improvements from MP to MP, as well as other operational parameters (such as funding, legal, and regulatory) delineating the project and its performance envelope.

Inputs:

·        Capital Program Management System (CPMS)

·        Previously defined elements of the Initiate and Align step

Tools:

Ø·   Initiate and Align Worksheet Template

Ø·   Sample Initiate and Align Worksheet

Steps:

1.      The Project Manager reviews the CPMS file for specific limitations on the project and its performance.

2.      The Project Manager and project team establish a set of “draft” boundaries for review and planning.

3.      Review the draft boundaries with the Region/Organization Management:

·        Validate each “boundary” parameter

·        Identify which parameters are “fixed” and which are “flexible”

·        Determine the acceptable range of variation for those parameters deemed flexible

·        Plan for change:

·        Identify notification requirements and thresholds for early or advance warning when the possibility of exceeding or the need for changing Project Boundaries is imminent.

·        Identify the approvals needed to exceed or change the Project Boundaries

·        Define the process to follow in obtaining those approvals

4.      The Project Manager (or designee) enters the boundaries on the Initiate and Align Worksheet.

5.      The Project Manager and project team review the boundaries with the Region/Organization Management and incorporate them into the development of all project planning.

Products:

·        Project Boundaries established

Guidelines:

Boundaries describe the “envelope” within which the project team plans, performs, operates, and makes decisions on the Pre-Construction Phase of the project. The limits described by that envelope may not be exceeded without the appropriate authority; hence, it is crucial for the Project Manager and the Region/Organization Management to develop a thorough understanding of the boundaries and to share that common understanding and the “rules” with all project team members as a vital part of the Team Alignment process.