HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE:

Introduction

The template reflects the steps set out in the PRINCE2 Method and is designed to prompt the Project Manager and help in the creation of the Project Mandate. The information for the Project Mandate will be found within the SU Process of the PRINCE2 Manual. There is also a Product Description for the Project Mandate at Appendix A of the PRINCE2 Manual.

Loading the file

This template has been produced using Microsoft Word 97. To use it, load up the file directly from the directory and starting from page 1 follow the prompts (in [...] brackets).

Deleting the [....] text

When the template is complete, the whole Project Mandate document can be printed and approved.

Prior to printing, you should delete all [....] prompt text.

Saving the Project Mandate document under its own name

Save the Project Mandate document by selecting the “SAVE-AS” command; this will avoid overwriting the standard template. You must specify your own Project Directory.

Once your Project Mandate Document is completed check the document against the following Quality Criteria:

Is the level of authority commensurate with the anticipated size, risk and cost of the project?

Is there sufficient detail to allow the appointment of an appropriate Executive and Project Manager?

Are all the known interested parties identified?

Does the Project Mandate describe what is required?

Insert Project Name

Project Mandate

Date: 15 May 2002

PROJECT DOCUMENTATION

PROJECT MANDATE

Project:
Release:
Date:
PRINCE2
Author:
Owner:
Client:
Document Ref:
Version No:

1Project Mandate History

1.1Document Location

This document is only valid on the day it was printed.

The source of the document will be found on the project's PC in location

1.2Revision History

Date of this revision:

Date of Next revision:

Revision date / Previous revision date / Summary of Changes / Changes marked
First issue

1.3Approvals

This document requires the following approvals.

Signed approval forms are filed in the Management section of the project files.

Name / Signature / Title / Date of Issue / Version

1.4Distribution

This document has been distributed to:

Name / Title / Date of Issue / Version

2Table of Contents

Page

1Project Mandate History1

1.1Document Location1

1.2Revision History

1.3Approvals

1.4Distribution

2Table of Contents

3Purpose

4Authority Responsible

5Background

6Project Objectives

7Scope

8Constraints

9Interfaces

10Quality Expectations

11Outline Business Case

12Associated Documents

13Proposed Project Executive and Project Manager

14Customer and Users

15[Other Information]

Project Mandate

3Purpose

[The information in the Mandate is used to trigger Starting Up a Project (SU). It should contain sufficient information to identify at least the prospective Executive of the Project Board and indicate the subject matter for the project. It will be used to create the Project Brief]

4Authority Responsible

[State the Authority responsible for authorising cost and resource usage]

5Background

[Explain the context of the project and what it was that suggested the need for it. State whether the project will be a stand-alone activity to fulfil a particular business requirement or whether it is part of a bigger programme]

6Project Objectives

[Explain what the project is trying to achieve by stating its objectives which should be measurable and defined in terms of the projects major deliverables, effort, cost, tolerances and business benefits expected]

7Scope

[Describe the major deliverables of the project along with specific products, which are NOT part of the project. Describe the major dependencies (which impact on the project during its life) and interdependencies, which will exist after implementation]

8Constraints

[Describe the constraints within which the project must operate, e.g. there may be constraints on the amount of resources available to the project or the location of the project team]

9Interfaces

[Describe any interfaces with the project both internal and external to the organisation including any links to other projects or programme(s) of projects]

10Quality Expectations

[Define the Customers Quality Expectations with reference to the relative importance of time, cost and quality of the product so that future decisions may be based on what factor is paramount to the project’s success]

11Outline Business Case

[State here the business justification for doing the project]

12Associated Documents

[Make reference to any other earlier work that may include useful information, such as an estimate of the project size and duration, a view of the risks faced etc]

13Proposed Executive and Project Manager

14Customers and Users

[Insert the names of all known users, customers and any other interested parties]

15Other Information

[If the Project Mandate is based on earlier work, there may be other useful information]

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