What is it?
A project initiation document, or PID, is an important tool in project management. It helps with planning by gathering key project information in one place.
This PID might look a bit different to other PIDs you may have used before. It retains a lot of the standard project management concepts such as ‘scope’ and ‘risk’. It also highlights key parts of the Scottish Approach to Change. This ensures elements like ‘learning’ and ‘people-led’ are considered early on.
When should it be used?
You may find it helpful to create a PID as soon as you identify a change project.
Do not worry if you cannot finish all parts of the document right away. That is what the tool is for. It helps start conversations and planning to gather the needed information.
A PID is a “live” document, and you should review and update it throughout the project.
What are the benefits of using it and why use this tool?
A PID helps to support process rigour throughout a project by:
- providing clarity – making sure everyone understands
- enabling effective planning – ensuring all relevant factors are considered as soon as possible
- enabling strategic alignment – ensuring clarity on the vision, purpose, aim and objectives of the change and alignment with strategic priorities
- defining success – identifying the project’s outcomes and how to measure them
- identifying constraints, assumptions, risks, and issues – identifying problems early can help with project delivery. This allows with proactive mitigation
- enabling effective involvement and engagement of people – identifying stakeholders and interfaces early. Ensuring plans are set to involve, engage, and communicate with everyone during the process
- providing a single source of truth – reducing the risk of misaligned expectations, unclear objectives, and supporting good decision-making