P2 Options analysis

General

The options analysis is to be conducted in accordance with the plan detailed in the approved proposal. The overall purpose of this activity is to select a preference from the partially developed options that flow from the previous activity and to document the entire process. Once the preferred option is agreed to, a business case is developed to justify the inclusion of the project in the corporate program of work. It is important that the 'do nothing' option is evaluated as part of this analysis to provide a baseline against which the costs and benefits can be assessed.

Scope

This activity covers the comparative evaluation of the options identified in 'work management activity develop options' and the selection of the preferred option for further development under 'work management activity develop preferred option'. The scope includes the preparation, review and approval of the options analysis report.

Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to:

• select the best solution for satisfying the need
• obtain agreement of the selected option
• obtain approval to proceed with the development of the business case.

Responsibility

The project manager is responsible for this activity and will need to consult stakeholders widely with the appropriate technical and professional support.

Communication and consultation

Considerable communication and consultation is required between the customer, project team and the appropriate technical and professional staff to identify and develop the options. The customer and other stakeholders must be actively involved in the option analysis to generate a sense of participation in and ownership of the final solution. Independently selecting an option and imposing it on the stakeholders will create resistance and lead to project failure.

Tasks

1. Comparative evaluation of options
2. Prepare options analysis
3. Review and approval