Project Management Framework
Initiation - Business Drivers
/Background

Definition

The Business Drivers/Background explains why the project is needed and why it is being recommended at a particular time. It describes how the project will resolve the business problem or issue as well as any background information necessary to understand the problem. The section also supplies the connections between the project and the business strategies outlined in the agency's strategic plan and Balanced Scorecard.

Why is this important?

This section states the rationale for the project by identifying the specific business problems, issues, or increased business value that the project will address, resolve, or deliver. This section is important for explaining why a project is needed and for setting expectations about the project outcomes.

Instruction

The section must be written using business language. Identify how the project will resolve or address business problems. Describe facts, figures, and other pertinent background information to support the existence of a problem. Explain how the project resolves or helps to resolve the problem in terms familiar to the business. Show any links to business goals, strategies and principles.

How to scale

Large projects often have significant business and technical requirements that drive the project's development. Consider explaining the origins of the significant requirements as a way of explaining why the project is needed.

Checklists