What does a project manager primarily focus on in the initiation phase of a project?

In the initiation phase of a project, the project manager's primary responsibility is to define high-level project objectives and scope. This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire project. By clearly articulating what the project aims to achieve, the project manager ensures that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the project's purpose and the goals it seeks to accomplish.

During this phase, the project manager gathers requirements from stakeholders, identifies the project's deliverables, and establishes a vision for success. This helps to manage expectations and provides a framework for what needs to be achieved moving forward. By focusing on high-level objectives and scope, the project manager lays the groundwork for subsequent phases, where detailed planning, budgeting, team building, and risk monitoring will take place.

Other activities, such as detailing budgets and expenses, building a project team, and monitoring project risks, are typically addressed in later phases of the project lifecycle, such as the planning and execution phases, where more granular details are required. Thus, defining high-level project objectives and scope is fundamental to ensuring the project starts on solid ground.