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Project Ideation • 87

problem, and the response to it can be delayed, usually 48 hours. A mes-
sage in green type again has the same information as the red and yellow
alerts, except it contains an additional piece of information—the solution
to the red or yellow jeopardy. So an issue may have two electronic files, one
in red type and one in green type; two electronic files, one in yellow type
and one in green type; or three electronic files, one in red type, one in yel-
low type, and one in green type. Always remember that if there isn’t a file
with green type associated with the electronic files, then the issue hasn’t
been resolved, or someone forgot to document the resolution, and docu-
menting the resolution is one of the more important project artifacts.
The escalation process contains information as to who to go to in the
project when a decision cannot be made at the project manager level. The
process, while related to the jeopardy process, can be a multifaceted one.
For example, the project manager may be working with a customer who
has their own project manager. When the two project managers cannot
agree on the disposition of an issue, the escalation process will proceed
to the next level of decision maker. Not only that, but it should include all
levels above the project manager, even as far as the president of the com-
panies, if that is the ultimate decision maker. It allows the project teams to
have a process of escalation in place if needed.

greenality oF suPPliers
The final aspect of the ideation phase is to consider the greenality of your
suppliers. This is probably one of the areas where the project manager needs
to watch out for greenwashing. Suppliers may portray their green efforts
differently than they actually are in order to get your business. So how do
you avoid that? One of the more expensive ways is through inspection. If
the project requires significant investment with “green” businesses, then
the project manager may need to budget money to ensure the greenal-
ity of suppliers. Another way to secure information about your suppliers
is through expert judgment. Find someone who has used that particular
supplier before and learn from them what you can about the greenality.
As we become more and more green, greater amounts of information will
become available to and through project managers as to the greenality
of suppliers. For more on where to find green suppliers, see Chapters 13,
“Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Green,” and 14, “Resource Information.”