Getting your project off to a good start is essential for the success of the project. Lack of clarity in your project objectives can result in the project heading in different directions, and building up unrealistic expectations and worries.

Before your start your planning, controlling and reporting activities, you need to get everyone on the same page. This is done through a well-defined Project Initiation Document (PID), which is considered the top-level project-planning document ensuring all stakeholders understand where the project is heading.

The PID would include the information needed to get your project started, and communicate key information to the project's stakeholders.

The PID normally includes:

1. Project Name

2. Project Purpose & Benefits

3. Expected Objectives

4. Deliverables & Outcome

Your Project Initiation Document provides the following:

• Defines your project and its scope

• Justifies your project

• Secures funding for the project, if necessary

• Defines the roles and responsibilities of project participants

• Gives people the information they need to be productive and effective right from the start

By creating a PID, you'll answer the questions: What? Why? Who? How? When?