One document path, start to finish

The model above illustrates both a document path aligned with the project lifecycle and how the documents are integrated. Each step produces a document, carries the Project Reference forward, and hands to the next. The model illustrates how the documents link to, and inform, each other.

Note 1: The Project ID number holds the project narrative together.

Note 2: The Project Plan is the most important document in the model. It is the spine from which all other documents either inform the plan (Business Case) or are informed by the plan (RAID & Tracking logs, Change Requests, Reporting).

Note 3: As project complexity and scale increases, other documents can be introduced to support that growth. See the Scale and Templates pages for more information.

Note 4: You can start a simple project (or a pre-project phase such as Discovery) with just four documents: a light Business Case, Plan, RAID & Tracking Log and Weekly Report.

For more on the core project documents, click any step below to see what it is, the template you use, and the guide that explains it.