Get the practical guide to getting your development project off to a successful start!Zero in on key project-initiation tasks--and build a solid foundation for successful software development. In this concise guide, critically-acclaimed author Karl E. Wiegers fills a void in project management literature by focusing on the activities that are essential--but often overlooked--for launching any project. Drawing on his extensive experience, Karl shares lessons learned, proven practices, and tools for getting your project off to the right start--and steering it to ultimate success.Lay a foundation for project success--discover how to: * Effectively charter a project * Define meaningful criteria for project success and product releases * Negotiate achievable commitments for project teams and stakeholders * Identify and document potential barriers to success--and manage project risks * Apply the Wideband Delphi method for more accurate estimation * Measure project performance and avoid common metrics traps * Systematically apply lessons learned to future projectsCompanion Web site includes: * Worksheets from inside the book * Project document templates * Resources for project initiation and process improvement