Controlling the start of a project is described as part of the PRINCE2 process model and forms part of the PRINCE2 training courses on offer by Knowledge Train.
The project needs to be set up on a firm foundation with a viable Business Case and with a realistic, achievable Project Plan. PRINCE2 describes the processes that enable this to be achieved.
The Project Board formally authorises the Initiation Stage of the project (DP1), in other words to decide the project is sensible. The Project Board approves the Project Brief which contains a high level summary of the project and the Initiation Stage Plan which contains the details of the work to be done during the first (Initiation) stage of the project. The Project Board thereby gives authorisation to the Project Manager to proceed to the Initiation Stage.
At the end of the initiation stage, the Project Board (DP2) is asked to approve the Project Initiation Document and next Stage Plan. By approving these, they are committing resources and expenditure to the next stage and agreeing that the Business Case is viable. By doing this, they are agreeing to the stages described in the Project Plan.
As soon as the Project Board has approved the Project Initiation Document and next Stage Plan, they give authorisation to proceed to the Project Manager. The project can now move into controlled progress.
This article was taken from the booklet Concise PRINCE2™ (PRINCE2 ™ is a Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce) which was offered to students as part of the PRINCE2 training course (version 2005) by Knowledge Train. This booklet has been based on OGC (PRINCE2™) material. Reproduced under licence from OGC.
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