ABSTRACT
Clients need to identify the business needs that any proposed project will fulfil and determine how that project sits within their overall business strategy. A clear vision for the project, which states the objectives and outcomes, is critical in justifying the project in terms of investment and building the business case. The client brief should define what the client needs the project to achieve in order to deliver the success and values identified in the vision statement. The 'vision statement' is an aspirational document with the aim of establishing the high-level drivers behind the project. Value engineering is a tool which should be considered to ensure that the most economically advantageous methods and materials are used in the project and that the appropriate quality is being maintained. The client needs to understand the financial and legal constraints within which the project will have to operate, both during its implementation and during operation.
