Front-end Alignment of Projects — Doing the Right Project

Before starting significant work on a project or programme, its goals and objectives need to be made explicit and assessed to ensure that, if accomplished; they will further the sponsoring organization’s chosen corporate strategy and contribute to its overall goals. Unfortunately, this is not always done and can result in significant underperformance compared to expectations. Challenges are created by the different nature of the tasks facing both the organization and the project, by the variety and differing worldviews of those involved and by the multiplicity of roles necessary to achieve front- end alignment. These challenges can be overcome through judicious use of a well-founded business case and by the skilful execution of a well-formulated engagement programme.