Authorize Initiation is a critical activity within the Directing a Project process in PRINCE2 7. This activity is performed by the Project Board and represents one of the first formal decision points in a PRINCE2 project. The purpose of Authorize Initiation is for the Project Board to decide whethe…Authorize Initiation is a critical activity within the Directing a Project process in PRINCE2 7. This activity is performed by the Project Board and represents one of the first formal decision points in a PRINCE2 project. The purpose of Authorize Initiation is for the Project Board to decide whether to commit resources and time to properly plan and define the project before major investment begins.
When a Project Brief and outline Business Case have been prepared during the Starting up a Project process, these documents are presented to the Project Board for review. The Board must assess whether the project concept is viable, aligns with organizational strategy, and warrants further investigation through a detailed initiation stage.
During this authorization, the Project Board reviews several key elements including the Project Brief, the outline Business Case, the Stage Plan for the initiation stage, and the Project Product Description. They evaluate whether sufficient justification exists to proceed and whether the proposed approach is reasonable.
The Project Board has three possible decisions: approve initiation and allow the project to proceed into the initiation stage, request changes or additional information before making a decision, or reject the project entirely if it lacks sufficient merit or alignment with corporate objectives.
If approved, the Project Manager receives formal authorization to execute the initiation stage, which involves creating the detailed Project Initiation Documentation. This staged approach ensures that organizations do not commit significant resources to projects that have not been properly examined and justified.
Authorize Initiation demonstrates the PRINCE2 principle of continued business justification, ensuring that projects only proceed when there is adequate reason to invest further. It also supports management by stages by establishing a clear decision point before substantial work commences, giving the Project Board appropriate control over project investments from the earliest opportunity.
Authorize Initiation - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Complete Guide
What is Authorize Initiation?
Authorize Initiation is the first activity within the Directing a Project process in PRINCE2. It is a decision point where the Project Board reviews the Project Brief and decides whether to allow the project to proceed into the Initiation Stage. This authorization grants permission for the Project Manager to create the detailed Project Initiation Documentation (PID).
Why is Authorize Initiation Important?
This activity is crucial because it:
• Acts as the first major governance checkpoint in the project lifecycle • Ensures organizational commitment before significant resources are invested • Validates that the project aligns with corporate strategy and objectives • Confirms the Project Brief provides sufficient justification to proceed • Establishes clear accountability at the Project Board level • Prevents poorly conceived projects from consuming valuable resources
How Does Authorize Initiation Work?
The process follows these steps:
1. Trigger: The Starting Up a Project process produces the Project Brief and Stage Plan for Initiation
2. Review: The Project Board examines key documents including: - Project Brief (containing the outline Business Case) - Stage Plan for the Initiation Stage - Project Product Description - Project approach
3. Decision: The Project Board makes one of three decisions: - Authorize - approve initiation to proceed - Request changes - ask for modifications before approval - Reject - stop the project from proceeding
4. Outcome: If authorized, the Project Manager can begin the Initiating a Project process
Key Responsibilities
• Project Board: Makes the authorization decision collectively • Executive: Ensures business justification exists • Senior User: Confirms user requirements are understood • Senior Supplier: Confirms the project approach is feasible
What the Project Board Should Verify
Before authorizing initiation, the Project Board should confirm:
• The project is worthwhile based on the outline Business Case • The project aligns with corporate, programme, or customer strategy • Appropriate project management team structure is proposed • The Stage Plan for initiation is realistic and achievable • Adequate resources are available for the initiation stage • Risks have been identified and can be managed
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Authorize Initiation
Tip 1: Remember the Timing Authorize Initiation occurs AFTER Starting Up a Project and BEFORE Initiating a Project. Questions often test your understanding of this sequence.
Tip 2: Know Who is Responsible The Project Board authorizes initiation - not the Project Manager, corporate management, or any single board member alone.
Tip 3: Understand the Inputs The key input is the Project Brief (which includes the outline Business Case). If a question asks what document triggers or supports this decision, this is usually the answer.
Tip 4: Distinguish from Other Authorizations Do not confuse Authorize Initiation with: - Authorize the Project (approves the PID after initiation) - Authorize a Stage or Exception Plan (approves subsequent stages)
Tip 5: Focus on Governance Questions about authorize initiation often emphasize the governance role of the Project Board. Remember this is about decision-making authority, not detailed planning.
Tip 6: Limited Investment at This Point At this stage, only limited resources have been spent. The authorization protects the organization from committing significant funds to projects that lack proper justification.
Tip 7: Common Question Patterns Expect questions asking: - What triggers this activity? - Who is responsible for making this decision? - What documents are reviewed? - What happens after authorization is granted?
Summary
Authorize Initiation is the gateway between starting up a project and formally initiating it. The Project Board reviews the Project Brief and decides whether the potential benefits justify proceeding with detailed planning. This checkpoint ensures proper governance and prevents unsuitable projects from advancing.