ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with that part of project definition which should take place before a project is authorized to proceed from its conceptual stage to the use of valuable resources in executing the project. Adequate project definition is equally important for the customer, who must be clear on what outcomes to expect in return for the money paid out. The investor faced with a very uncertain prognosis for an industrial project might start by commissioning a feasibility study from a consultant or professionally orientated contracting company to obtain more facts and expert advice. Checklists are a useful way to ensure that nothing important is forgotten when a new project is being evaluated. The work involved in responding to an enquiry and preparing a tender can easily constitute a small project in itself, needing significant preliminary engineering design work plus sales and office effort that must be properly authorized and budgeted.
