P3OF practice question 8 of 15

Which activity occurs as part of the 'Identify' process?

Full set: 75 questions
Answer options
A: Refine the Vision Statement
B: Document an outline Business Case Correct answer
C: Plan tranches of delivery
D: Deliver the new capability
Correct Answer:
B. Document an outline Business Case
Explanation

The 'Identify' process is the first stage in the portfolio management lifecycle. Its purpose is to capture all potential and ongoing change initiatives (programmes and projects) across the organization. A key activity within this process is to document an initial justification for each proposed initiative to enable a high-level assessment. This is typically achieved by creating an outline or brief Business Case, which captures the core idea, strategic alignment, and expected benefits without requiring extensive detail at this early stage.

Why Incorrect

A. Refine the Vision Statement: Refining the Vision Statement is a strategic management activity that provides the context for the portfolio; it is an input to the 'Identify' process, not an activity within it.
C. Plan tranches of delivery: This is a detailed programme management planning activity that occurs after a programme has been identified, prioritized, and approved for initiation, not during the initial 'Identify' phase.
D. Deliver the new capability: This is an execution activity performed during the project and programme delivery lifecycle. The 'Identify' process is concerned with deciding what to do, not the actual delivery.

References

AXELOS. (2013). Portfolio

Programme and Project Offices (P3O). TSO (The Stationery Office).

Section 6.3.1

Identify process: "The purpose of the Identify process is to collate a list of all the programmes and projects that are to be managed through the portfolio... The information required at this stage should be minimal

e.g. an outline Business Case..." (p. 56). This directly supports option B as a core activity.

Figure 6.2

The Portfolio Management cycle: This figure illustrates that 'Identify' is the first step

focused on capturing initiatives

which precedes detailed planning ('Plan') and delivery. This context shows why options C and D are incorrect as they occur later in the overall lifecycle.

Section 6.2

Prerequisites for Portfolio Management: This section explains that a clear vision and strategic objectives must be in place before the portfolio management cycle begins

confirming that refining the vision (Option A) is a prerequisite

not part of the 'Identify' process. (p. 55).

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