What is typically the first step in strategic planning for IT Projects?

The first step in strategic planning for IT projects is to define project goals. When embarking on any project, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what you aim to achieve. Establishing the goals provides direction and clarity for the entire project. These goals inform all subsequent steps in the planning process, including determining which stakeholders to involve, how to assemble the project team, and which planning tools will best support the project's execution.

Defining project goals sets the foundation for aligning the project's outcomes with the organization's strategic objectives. This alignment ensures that the project supports broader business aims and articulates what success looks like. As a result, having well-defined goals can even influence the identification of stakeholders, as you may choose different individuals or groups to engage based on the specific objectives of the project.

While assembling a project team, selecting a planning tool, and identifying stakeholders are important parts of the planning process, they come after the project's goals have been established. Without clear goals, it becomes challenging to effectively carry out these subsequent steps, making defining project goals a critical first step.