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Strategy Development > Justification & Set Up > Tasks

Justifying the project

Before embarking on a project, it is important to define and justify the need for the project. This helps to assess whether the right questions are being asked, whether a review can really add value, whether someone else should lead it, and whether the timing is right. Rigor at this stage pays substantial dividends later on.

The justification exercise should:

• define the problem to be addressed
• articulate the vision and values driving the need for the project
• identify work that has been done to date on this issue
• consider whether there is a clear rationale for Government intervention
• assess the feasibility of having an impact on the problem
• anticipate the expected resource requirements
• seek to establish a mandate for the project
• identify a suitable sponsor for the project (for example: Secretary of State, Minister or Permanent Secretary).

In some cases this exercise will make it clear that the timing isn't right, or that someone else is better placed to do the work. If the exercise confirms the need for a strategic review it will help the project to hit the ground running.

The desired outcome of this exercise is that the and all key stakeholders have common expectations and high level of commitment to the project. Establishing a mandate in this way before the project starts is important if the team is going to effectively challenge the status quo and develop strategy from first principles.

Producing a project proposal or terms of reference document that answers the above questions will help secure such early buy-in.

Useful links:

> rationale for government intervention

> first principles thinking