Understanding project process Group : 1 - Project Initiating

The Initiating Process Group is one of the simpler groups in that it is made up of only two processes: 

Develop Project Charter and Identify Stakeholders.

The way in which a project is initiated, or begun, can make a tremendous difference in the success of subsequent processes and activities.

Although many processes may not be performed in a strict order, the initiating process should be performed first or at least very early on. In initiation, the project or phase is formally begun, the project manager is named, and the stakeholder register is produced.

If a project is not initiated properly, the end results could range from a lessened authority for the project manager to unclear goals or uncertainty as to why the project was being performed. 

Conversely, a project that is initiated properly would have the business need clearly defined, would include a clear direction for the scope as well as information on why this project was chosen over other possibilities, along with a list of the project's stakeholders.

Initiation may be performed more than once during a single project. If the project is being performed in phases, each phase could require its own separate initiation, depending on the company's methodology, funding, and other influencing factors.

There is a reason why this might be advantageous. On a longer or riskier project, requiring initiation to take place on each phase could help to ensure that the project maintains its focus and that the business reasons it was undertaken are still valid.