Plan Next Stage is a critical activity within the Managing a Stage Boundary process in PRINCE2 7. This activity occurs towards the end of each management stage, except the final one, and involves creating a detailed Stage Plan for the upcoming stage.
The purpose of Plan Next Stage is to provide th…Plan Next Stage is a critical activity within the Managing a Stage Boundary process in PRINCE2 7. This activity occurs towards the end of each management stage, except the final one, and involves creating a detailed Stage Plan for the upcoming stage.
The purpose of Plan Next Stage is to provide the Project Board with sufficient information to authorize the next stage of the project. The Project Manager is responsible for developing this plan, which must contain enough detail to enable effective day-to-day control during stage execution.
When planning the next stage, the Project Manager must consider several key elements. First, they review lessons learned from the current and previous stages to incorporate improvements. Second, they analyze any changes to the project environment, risks, or external factors that might affect the upcoming work.
The Stage Plan itself includes detailed schedules, resource requirements, cost estimates, and quality management approaches for the next stage. It identifies the products to be delivered, the activities required to create them, and the dependencies between various work packages. Risk assessment is updated to reflect stage-specific threats and opportunities.
The Project Manager also updates the Project Plan to reflect actual progress and any approved changes, ensuring alignment between stage-level and project-level planning. This provides the Project Board with an accurate picture of overall project health.
Tolerance levels for time, cost, scope, quality, benefits, and risk are proposed for the new stage, giving the Project Manager defined boundaries within which to operate. Any deviations beyond these tolerances would require escalation to the Project Board.
The completed Stage Plan forms part of the End Stage Report package, which is presented to the Project Board at the stage boundary for their review and authorization decision regarding whether to proceed with the next stage.
Plan Next Stage - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Complete Guide
Introduction to Plan Next Stage
Plan Next Stage is a critical activity within the Managing a Stage Boundary process in PRINCE2. This activity ensures that the project continues with proper planning and authorization before moving into the next management stage.
Why Plan Next Stage is Important
Planning the next stage is essential for several reasons:
• Maintains Control: It ensures the Project Board has sufficient information to make informed decisions about continuing the project • Provides Visibility: Creates a detailed plan for the upcoming stage, giving stakeholders clarity on what will be delivered • Manages Risk: Allows for reassessment of risks and ensures appropriate responses are planned • Ensures Resources: Confirms that necessary resources, budget, and time are allocated for the next stage • Validates Business Case: Provides an opportunity to verify the project still represents good value
What Plan Next Stage Involves
During this activity, the Project Manager creates or updates several key products:
Stage Plan: A detailed plan for the next management stage, including: • Schedule of activities and deliverables • Resource requirements • Budget allocation • Risk and issue management approaches • Quality management activities
Product Descriptions: Detailed specifications for products to be created in the next stage
Updated Project Plan: Reflecting actual progress and any changes to future projections
How Plan Next Stage Works
The process follows a logical sequence:
1. Review Current Stage: Assess what has been achieved and learned 2. Update Project Documents: Revise the Project Plan, Business Case, and risk register based on current status 3. Create Next Stage Plan: Develop a detailed plan using product-based planning techniques 4. Identify Resources: Determine what people, equipment, and budget are needed 5. Plan Quality Activities: Define how quality will be assured and controlled 6. Assess Risks: Identify new risks and review existing ones for the upcoming stage 7. Prepare Exception Report: If the project is forecast to exceed tolerances
Key Inputs and Outputs
Inputs: • Project Initiation Documentation • Current Stage Plan • Project Plan • Lessons learned from current stage • Risk register and issue register
Outputs: • Next Stage Plan • Updated Project Plan • Updated Business Case • Updated risk and issue information
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Plan Next Stage
Tip 1: Remember the Purpose Questions often test whether you understand that this activity is about providing the Project Board with information to authorize the next stage. The focus is on planning ahead, not reviewing the past.
Tip 2: Know Who is Responsible The Project Manager is responsible for planning the next stage. The Project Board authorizes it. Do not confuse these roles in exam questions.
Tip 3: Understand Timing This activity occurs near the end of each management stage, except the final stage. It happens before the Authorize a Stage activity by the Project Board.
Tip 4: Link to Product-Based Planning Stage Plans are created using product-based planning techniques. Questions may ask about the relationship between these concepts.
Tip 5: Distinguish from Other Activities Do not confuse Plan Next Stage with: • Report Stage End (focuses on current stage performance) • Produce Exception Plan (triggered by forecast tolerance breach) • Plan the Stage (part of Initiating a Project)
Tip 6: Remember the Level of Detail Stage Plans are more detailed than the Project Plan. Questions may test your understanding of planning levels in PRINCE2.
Tip 7: Connect to Business Justification Planning the next stage always involves reviewing whether the Business Case remains valid. This maintains the business justification principle throughout the project.
Common Exam Question Formats
• Which role is responsible for creating the next Stage Plan? • What is the purpose of the Plan Next Stage activity? • Which management products are created or updated during this activity? • When does Plan Next Stage occur in the project lifecycle?
Understanding these concepts thoroughly will help you answer questions accurately and confidently in your PRINCE2 Foundation examination.