Hi Brad,
These are my three questions to ask at the start of any project:
- What are your requirements?
- What is your deadline date and what is driving it?
- What top-level management support do you have for this project?
I always ask the customer about their requirements early on to get a feel for the project. I like to draw out any unstated assumptions or hidden needs. People often assume you know more than you do about their project. Requirements are like icebergs; there's the bit above the water you can see, (what the customer asks for) and the bit below the water you cannot see, (the customer's assumptions about what will be delivered that they have not told you).
I like to know whether the deadline date is tied to an event, and if so, what event. Sometimes deadlines are plucked from the air and have nothing driving them, other times they are tied to real events. Understanding what is driving the deadline date is crucial if you are going to make a success of the project.
I believe most projects succeed or fail on support and commitment of top-level management. I am very reluctant to take on projects that don't have this level of support, so finding out who is supporting the project is important.
Any other thoughts?
Duncan