The initiating phase project management templates will help the project manager to define the parameters of a new project as well as assist in identifying the internal and external stakeholders associated with or impacted by the project. The following templates are included. Click on a template for more information about that template.

Business Case
Influence/Impact Grid
Kick-off Meeting Agenda
Power/Influence Grid
Power/Interest Grid
Project Charter
Stakeholder Analysis Matrix
Stakeholder Register
Stakeholder Reporting Matrix

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The Business Case project management template provides information on whether the project is worth the required investment from a business need standpoint and will generally include a cost benefit analysis. Key components of this project management template include the following:

• Project objective and description (product, service, or result);
• Technical analysis;
• Financial analysis;
• Risk analysis;
• Project Costs (both internal and external);
• Timelines, milestones and urgency;
• Alignment with business strategy;
• Major assumptions;
• Project qualitative benefits; and
• Alternatives or other options.

The Influence/Impact Grid project management template will help the project manager develop a stakeholder management strategy by plotting their stakeholders based upon their level of:

• Influence (involvement); and
• Ability to impact the project during planning and execution.

The Kick-Off Meeting Agenda project management template provides a basic structure for the following:

• Introduction of key project participants;
• Setting team rules;
• Project planning and review;
• Purpose and object of the project;
• Scope;
• Major deliverables;
• High-level risks;
• Assumptions;
• Estimated effort, budget, and duration;
• Roles and responsibilities; and
• Project approach and overall timeline.

The Power/Influence Grid project management template will help the project manager develop a stakeholder management strategy by plotting their stakeholders based upon their level of:

• Power (authority); and
• Influence (involvement) in the project.

The Power/Interest Grid project management template will help the project manager develop a stakeholder management strategy by plotting their stakeholders based upon their level of:

• Power (authority); and
• Interest (concern) regarding the project.

The Project Charter project management template formally initiates the project and will assist the project manager in capturing the following components:

• Project Goals and Objectives;
• Business Goals and Objectives;
• High Level Risk;
• Summary Budget;
• Customer Requirements;
• Customer Acceptance Criteria; and
• Customer Reporting Requirements.

The development of the Project Charter takes into consideration:

• Stakeholders' needs and expectations;
• Purpose of the project;
• High-level project requirements and descriptions;
• Project milestones; and
• Summary of the budget.

The Stakeholder Analysis Matrix project management template is a common way to represent the Stakeholder Management Strategy and provides a detailed understanding of the stakeholder so the project manager can anticipate their impact on the project. Key components of this project managment template include the following:

• Stakeholder Identification;
• Stakeholder Power (Low, Medium, High);
• Stakeholder Interest (Low, Medium, High);
• Stakeholder Influence (Low, Medium, High);
• Stakeholder Impact (Low, Medium, High); and
• Overall Stakeholder Strategy (Monitor, Keep Informed, Keep Satisfied, or Manage Closely).

The Stakeholder Register project management template is used to identify internal and external stakeholders, and can provide information on detailed project and product requirements. An efficient and effective project manager should "plan" to manage the stakeholder's needs. Key components of this project management template include the following:

• Stakeholder identification information;
• Assessment information; and
• Stakeholder classification.

The Stakeholder Reporting Matrix project management template is used for identifying the reporting mechanisms necessary for the Stakeholders of the project. This information will be important when it comes time for the project manager to complete the Project Communications Plan. Key components of this project management template include the following:

• Reports to receive;
• Amount of detail and sensitivity of information;
• Formatting of reports;
• Frequency of reports; and
• Delivery mechanism.