Example 3: Business instruction manual
This is an excerpt from a manual on project management.
Editing focuses the text on the important points and
increases the likelihood of the project manager reading it.
Original text [231 words]
As an extension of defining how the project will be governed, a diagram showing the project structure needs to be
drawn to illustrate the project governance and how the project will be broken up into sub-projects as necessary. This
simple illustration can be invaluable for understanding reporting lines, escalation lines and for describing how the
project will be run. It is also a useful diagram for illustrating any strong project linkages with other projects that
are important to the stakeholders. Any key deliverables for the project may be included as appropriate. The project
structure can also demonstrate diagrammatically any communication requirements and their relationship/s to the project.
The diagrams should always be accompanied by a narrative explaining the project structure.
The diagram in Figure 6 provides an example of a project structure that could be useful as a guide. The arrows indicate
the project governance. This means that if A Workman as the project manager for the Services Project needed to escalate
issues, or required a decision to be made on something, he would initially approach the overall program manager: T
Bossman. If the program manager is unable to assist, the issue/decision goes to the Steering Group and M Power for
resolution. The dotted line shows a link between the described program and another program, called ‘LSD’. This link has
arrows both ends indicating that the communication will be two way.
Edited text [112 words]
Draw a diagram showing how the project will be governed. Show:
• how the project is divided into sub-projects
• reporting and escalation lines
• links to other projects
• communication requirements
• key deliverables.
Attach a narrative explaining the diagram.
Figure 6 is an example. The arrows show how the project is managed. For example, if the project manager, A. Workman,
needs a decision, he first approaches the programme manager, T. Bossman. If Bossman cannot help, the steering group and
M. Power resolve the issue.
The dotted line shows that the programme is linked to another programme, LSD. The link has
arrows both ends indicating that communication is two way.