3. Identify key objectives

Your project is designed to meet expectations expressed in terms of objectives. First, make sure they're well defined. Then go through them one by one, and assess what can be gained or lost by a gap between objectives and results. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What range of results is acceptable without significant consequences?

• What's there to lose if the result is below this range?

• What's there to gain if it's beyond that?

For objectives relating to project progress (deadline, budget, resources...), work with management or decision-makers.

For objectives relating to the project object (characteristics, performance, costs...), do this work with those for whom the project object is intended: future users,...