Pre-Construction	Online Guide
		Initiate and Align the Team	Process
Activity:	Review Project Description		Revision July 1, 2005
Description:	The Project Description is a formal statement that defines the purpose and need for the “product” or “outcome” that the project is intended to produce. Region/Organization Management provides the Project Description (as defined on the WSDOT Project Definition form) to the Project Manager. It is used to establish a common purpose and need of both the project and the Pre-Construction Phase among the members of the project team.
Inputs:	· Project Definition
Tools:	Ø· Initiate and Align Worksheet Template Ø· Sample Initiate and Align Worksheet
Steps:	1. The Project Manager receives the Project Description from Region/Organization Management and: · Reviews the needs the project is intended to fill. · Reviews the goals, products, and outcomes of the project.
	2. The Project Manager uses his/her understanding of the Project Description to begin to identify team members.
	3. The Project Manager reviews the Pre-Construction Phase Project Description and preliminary team member identification with Region/Organization Management.
	4. The Project Manager or designee enters the Pre-Construction Phase Project Description on the Initiate and Align Worksheet.
	5. The Project Manager (a) assembles the project team, (b) reviews the Project Description, Team Mission/Assignments, Major Milestones, and Boundaries provided by Region/Organization Management, and (c) begins Team Alignment activities.
Products:	· Completed Project Description
Guidelines:	The Project Description is a statement of the reasons why the project or phase is being undertaken, and acts as the foundation for all further project planning and actions. A Project Description generally includes the following characteristics: · It is a statement of the desired condition at the end of the project; hence, it describes an “end result” and should be capable of being seen. · It is a “project” objective, not the duty of an individual. · It establishes a common goal toward which all project activities and efforts strive. · It is expressed in positive terms; it is a positive end result.