The Directing a Project Process in PRINCE2 7 serves as the essential governance mechanism that enables the Project Board to maintain overall control and make key decisions throughout the project lifecycle. This process runs from project initiation through to project closure, providing a framework f…The Directing a Project Process in PRINCE2 7 serves as the essential governance mechanism that enables the Project Board to maintain overall control and make key decisions throughout the project lifecycle. This process runs from project initiation through to project closure, providing a framework for executive decision-making at strategic levels.
The primary purpose of Directing a Project is to enable the Project Board to be accountable for the project's success by making timely decisions while delegating day-to-day management responsibilities to the Project Manager. This creates an efficient governance structure where senior stakeholders can oversee the project at appropriate intervals rather than being involved in routine operational matters.
Key aspects of this purpose include authorizing project initiation, ensuring that adequate resources and funding are available, approving the Project Initiation Documentation, and sanctioning each stage before it commences. The Project Board also provides guidance and direction when the Project Manager escalates issues or when tolerances are forecast to be exceeded.
The process ensures that there is a clear line of authority and accountability. It establishes the mechanism for the Project Board to verify that the project remains justified throughout its duration by reviewing the Business Case at key decision points. This ongoing validation helps organizations avoid continuing with projects that no longer deliver expected benefits.
Additionally, Directing a Project facilitates communication between the project and corporate or programme management, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives. The Project Board acts as a link between the project and external stakeholders, championing the project within the organization.
The process also provides for orderly project closure, ensuring that lessons are captured, products are handed over appropriately, and recommendations for follow-on actions are made. This comprehensive governance approach helps deliver successful outcomes while maintaining appropriate oversight and control mechanisms.
Directing a Project Purpose - Complete Guide
Introduction
The Directing a Project process is one of the seven processes in PRINCE2 and is fundamental to understanding how projects are governed at the senior management level. This guide will help you understand its purpose and prepare you for exam questions on this topic.
What is Directing a Project?
Directing a Project is the process through which the Project Board exercises overall control of the project. It runs from project initiation through to project closure and provides the mechanism by which the Project Board manages the project at a strategic level.
Why is Directing a Project Important?
The purpose of Directing a Project is to enable the Project Board to be accountable for the project's success by making key decisions and exercising overall control while delegating day-to-day management to the Project Manager. This is crucial because:
• It ensures appropriate governance and accountability • It provides clear decision-making authority at the right level • It enables senior management to stay informed through exception reporting • It protects the organization's investment in the project • It ensures alignment with corporate strategy and business objectives
How Does Directing a Project Work?
The Project Board fulfills its responsibilities through five key activities:
1. Authorize Initiation - The Project Board decides whether to invest in producing a detailed Project Initiation Documentation
2. Authorize the Project - The Board reviews the PID and decides whether to proceed with the project
3. Authorize a Stage or Exception Plan - The Board approves each management stage and any exception plans that may be required
4. Give Ad Hoc Direction - The Board provides guidance and makes decisions when issues or risks are escalated
5. Authorize Project Closure - The Board confirms that the project can close and that all acceptance criteria have been met
Key Principles of Directing a Project
• Management by exception - The Project Board sets tolerances and only gets involved when these are forecast to be exceeded • Decision-making at the appropriate level - Strategic decisions stay with the Board while operational matters are delegated • Continued business justification - The Board must ensure the project remains viable throughout its lifecycle
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Directing a Project Purpose
Tip 1: Remember that Directing a Project is about the Project Board's activities, not the Project Manager's. If a question asks about day-to-day management, this is not Directing a Project.
Tip 2: Focus on the word authorize - this is a key indicator of Directing a Project activities. The Project Board authorizes stages, plans, and closure.
Tip 3: Understand that Directing a Project operates throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to closure. Questions may test whether you know when this process starts and ends.
Tip 4: Know the difference between authorize and approve. The Project Board authorizes work to proceed based on approved plans.
Tip 5: When questions mention escalation or exception reports, think Directing a Project - this is how the Project Manager communicates with the Board.
Tip 6: Remember the management by exception principle - the Board sets tolerances and only intervenes when these are forecast to be exceeded.
Common Exam Question Types:
• Questions asking which process is responsible for authorizing stages • Questions about who is accountable for project success • Questions distinguishing between Board and Project Manager responsibilities • Questions about when the Directing a Project process begins and ends
Summary
The purpose of Directing a Project is to enable the Project Board to exercise control and make key decisions while allowing the Project Manager to handle day-to-day activities. Understanding this separation of responsibilities and the concept of management by exception will help you answer exam questions confidently.