The start of a project

Project launch

The project proposal, approved by the executive board, is the basic requirement for every project.
As soon as a requirement specification (https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-7) exists and has been signed by both orderer and contractor, the project is officially started by the project manager with a ‘kick-off’.

Kick-Off-Meeting

The standard "DIN 69901-5" defines the kick-off-meeting as follows:
"The kick-off-meeting takes place after the project has been planned and before the actual implementation begins. At least all members of the project team take part in a kick-off event. In addition, the client and other relevant stakeholders can be involved."

A kick-off event marks the start of a project. This event enables an initial personal contact between the project participants. All participants are informed about the project goal, the scope of development and the resulting benefits for the company. The expected scope of work and the resources required for it are also presented. The kick-off-meeting informs all affected departments as well as all relevant project participants about the new project.

The following points should be considered when carrying out a kick-off:
- Define project goals and desired results
- Define team members
- Possibly define and introduce a core team
- Collect contact information for each team member
- Clarify responsibilities: Which team member should fulfil which function in the project?
- Define the meeting schedule and agenda in detail

The aim of the kick-off is to inform and motivate everyone involved.
The first step is to set a rough course for the project and not yet to do the detailed work.

A kick-off meeting is not mandatory in every case, but especially for larger projects it makes sense for all participants to meet at the beginning.
For the start of smaller projects often a kick-off information in a circulation procedure is enough. In this case the project details are sent to the participants in the form of a clear presentation.

Don’t miss the previous parts from this series:

Part I (https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-1)
Part II (https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-2)
Part III (https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-3)
Part IV (https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-4)
Part V (https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-5)
Part VI (https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-6)
Part VII ((https://mobacommunity.com/blogs/entry/The-MOBA-Project-Management-Part-7)

 To be continued…

 Roland Jung, 11.10.2018