The process of identifying appropriate project options is very important and has a high impact on whether projects experience high levels of risk during execution, benefits shortfalls and/or time and cost overruns. When developing project options the requirements of all project stakeholders should be obtained and understood. When considering the appropriateness of a project option, the following questions should be answered:
Benefit Delivery:
• Are the project benefits achievable?
• Would fewer benefits be acceptable?
• Would a completely different outcome deliver the same underlying need (e.g. low risk
expansion of a local daycare facility instead of high risk expansion of a major hospital)?
Strategy:
• Does the option fit into wider strategic objectives?
• Are the objectives appropriate?
Change:
• Is the option sensitive to changes initiated by external factors (e.g. changes in demographics,
legislation and technology)?
• Does the option have potential for change and improvement in business processes?
By answering these questions prior to finalising the strategic outline case, it is possible to maximise benefit delivery by excluding those project options which may not deliver the required benefits, do not fit with the overall business strategy and / or are likely to be subject to substantial changes during execution.