- Foreword and Introduction
- 1: Putting projects in context
- 2: Entity arrangements
- 2.1 Strategic alignment
- 2.2 People and culture
- 2.3 Effective governance
- 2.4 Common APS Requirements
- Summary for entity arrangements
- 3: Individual project proposals
- 3.1 Clarifying the concept
- 3.2 The business case
- 3.3 Approving the project
- Summary for individual projects
- 4: Project implementation
- Appendices
- Quick reference card
PDF version of guide [3.0MB]
PDF of Quick reference card [0.3MB]
Tips for PDF and HTML versions [0.5MB]
Word version of checklists [0.1MB]
1.3 Arrangements should be ‘fit for purpose’
Australian government entities vary widely in their size and responsibilities, and in their current level of capability to plan and implement projects. Individual projects can vary in their size, complexity, risk and impact.
“Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”
… Alan Lakein.
This Guide describes better practices in the broader management arrangements of entities to support project planning and approval. Entities should tailor these arrangements to their own circumstances. This may include assessing both their capability and requirements. If improvements are needed, it is prudent to aim at a practical pace of change or to seek external assistance if increased capability is needed more quickly.
The Guide describes important steps in the planning and approval of individual projects that should be undertaken to improve the prospects of project success, and to meet accountability requirements.
The effort devoted to planning and review at each step should be ‘fit for purpose’ – tailored to the circumstances of the entity and the characteristics of each project. This may include, for example, arrangements to allow faster consideration of urgent projects while still achieving appropriate review and accountability; additional planning steps for larger, higher risk or higher impact projects; and a streamlined approach for projects of low cost and low risk.
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