When writing a project brief, remember to include the project's background, objectives, and what will determine its success. An outline of the project's schedule and target audience is required.
A project brief, at its most basic level, can answer those questions and serve its purpose. If it's a digital link to supporting documentation, you can list the sections as bullet points on a one-page document. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a project brief, but here's how to get started:
· Project Overview
Begin by gathering the necessary contact information. It's a good place to begin. Make a list of the client, their contract, and a brief description of their company and customer base. The rest of your business brief will be influenced by your background.
· Project Objectives
Understanding your project's objectives will help you gain a better understanding of the project as a whole. Examine your deliverables, particularly the final one. This is also where you start to define what constitutes a successful project. Use the SMART method, which means that your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
· Project Timeline
You've defined what you need to deliver; now it's time to figure out when you need to deliver those deliverables. This entails knowing when you'll begin and how long the project will take. The T in SMART, the time-bound part, is what you're doing here. Examine milestones to help you fine-tune your schedule (important dates, like when one phase ends and another begins).
Things to Avoid when Making a Project Brief
There are some common errors people make when writing project briefs; let's take a look at some of them below.
Keep an eye out for pitfalls like setting too many goals. The project brief should be, well, brief, and having too many goals will make it not only longer but also more difficult to understand.
A successful project brief requires clarity. If you don't define your target audience clearly, the project's scope will be off from the start. Even if the goal is only slightly off, the effect will accumulate over the course of the project, and your final deliverable will be significantly off the mark.
Generalizations are another thing to avoid. A well-written project brief is precise in the same way that good writing is. Avoid jargon and unnecessary filler. Say what you want with a few well-chosen words that describe and focus what you're talking about.
Need more insights on the same? Enrol in PMP classes online today!
Comments