Different contexts leading to different starting positions

It was convenient to outline what the identify phase involves in all six steps using a single BP example as a starting point for most early discussion. However, reconsider ‘clarify immediate priorities’, step 1 of the identify phase, if a very different context is involved.

The project lifecycle and seven Ws structure, as developed in the define phase, remain central, as do the criteria–plan relationship structures. In the E&D shaping stage, overall project duration and associated timing is usually important, but the starting place may be somewhat different. For example, the first oil refinery project cost uncertainty analysis addressed by BP with support by Chris, shortly after the Magnus exercise, began the identify phase equivalent of an E&D shaping stage analysis by ignoring construction activity duration uncertainty and taking a direct interest in market factors influencing the cost of major components and materials over the period prior to letting the key procurement contracts. The view of the project s....