8
The detailed investigation stage
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During the Detailed investigation stage you will identify the optimum solution and commercial proposition.
Overview
During the detailed investigation stage, you will identify and define the optimum solution and commercial proposition. You will need to:
- evaluate possible options and identify a preferred solution;
- ensure the preferred solution will meet the defined needs;
- define process, technical and operational requirements where appropriate;
- test/research the concept with the target users and/or customers;
- check any legal or regulatory issues;
- evaluate possible suppliers and partners.
The next gate, for which this stage prepares you, is critical as it is the last point at which you can stop the project before substantial financial commitments are made.
Key deliverables
The blueprint is the fundamental document (or set of documents) describing the outcome and output of the project in terms of operating model, process, organization, systems, technology and culture. This document integrates all the individual system, process, and platform requirements and specifies how they will work together. The document will continue to develop as the project proceeds and will be handed over to the manager(s) of any operational parts before the project is completed.
The feasibility report builds on the initial business case. It includes the recommendation for which option should be adopted as the solution, comparing it against rejected solutions in financial and non-financial terms.
The business case contains the business rationale. It is derived from the initial business case and feasibility report, together with the outputs from other investigative work. It is the document on which the decision is made to authorize funding for the remainder of the project and the building in of costs and benefits to the business plan. The document is “live” and under strict version control for the remainder of the project.
The project plan includes the detailed schedule, resource, and cost plans for the develop and test stage, with the remaining stages in summary.
The test plan documents the tests required to verify performance of any outputs from the project, both in isolation and working as a complete system.
Table 8.1 Key deliverables plan
| Deliverable | Prepared by | Review by | Approved, prior to gate, by |
| Blueprint | Project manager | Team managers and experts | Project sponsor |
| Feasibility report | Project manager | Team managers and experts | Project sponsor |
| Business case | Project manager | Team managers and key functional managers | Project sponsor |
| Project plan | Project manager | as above | Project sponsor |
| Test plan | Project manager | as above | Proposed owners of deliverable |
Note: These are minimum review roles and deliverables only. Each project manager should define the full set prior to the start of the stage.
Process steps
Detailed investigation gate. This gate determines whether further effort and resources should be invested in undertaking a detailed investigation. If the initial business case is authorized, the detailed investigation stage is started. See checklist in Workout 7.1.
The initial business case and project plan now come under formal version control.
- The project manager informs the stakeholders and key team members that authority to start the stage has been given.
- The project manager ensures the start of the stage has been registered, assembles the team and briefs them on the scope of this stage (see Chapter 17).
- The detailed investigation work is carried out (within the project control cycle, see Chapter 18) to assess possible solutions and a preferred option is recommended, bearing in mind the risks and benefits. A feasibility report is prepared.
- The feasibility report is reviewed, amended if necessary, then agreed by the project sponsor who decides which option should be chosen and refined further.
- Work on defining the chosen option is carried out. This may involve refining the blueprint, the operational aspects, change management and training plans, business processes, market plans and system designs.
The blueprint now comes under formal version control.
- 6 The project manager, with the team, prepares the detailed plan for the develop and test stage and finalizes the business case. These are reviewed with the team and stakeholders and, if necessary, are amended.
- 7 The detailed plan and business case are reviewed by the project sponsor and the relevant stakeholders. It is either accepted, rejected, deferred, or amendments are requested.
The business case is submitted for gate authorization.
Figure 8.1 Steps in the detailed investigation stage
Workout 8.1 – Checklist for starting the develop and test stage
Business need and strategic fit
- Does the project still fit the strategy?
- Have the development concepts (e.g. marketing) been researched and tested on target segments and the need reaffirmed?
- Is the business case acceptable and compelling?
- Have the key sensitivities and scenarios for the recommended option been checked and confirmed as acceptable?
- Is the business case ready to be built into the overall business plan?
Project plan
- Is there a detailed schedule, resource, and cost plan for the develop and test stage?
- Is there an outline schedule, resource, and cost plan for the full project?
- Are there sufficient review points in the plan (see Ch. 27)?
- Has the project been designed to eliminate known high risks (see Ch. 23)?
Accountabilities
- Are there resources to undertake the develop and test stage?
- Have formal commitments been made by the relevant line managers?
Operational and technical
- Is it technically feasible with current technology?
- Does the organization have the operational capability to support it?
Deliverables
- Is the blueprint complete?
- Is it clear how the output will be tested?
Health check!
- Has a project health check been done and been found acceptable (see Workout 27.1)?
Issues
Risk
Executive action