Ensure Continued Business Justification is one of the seven fundamental principles in PRINCE2 7 that guides project management practice. This principle establishes that a valid business reason must exist for starting a project, and this justification must remain valid throughout the entire project …Ensure Continued Business Justification is one of the seven fundamental principles in PRINCE2 7 that guides project management practice. This principle establishes that a valid business reason must exist for starting a project, and this justification must remain valid throughout the entire project lifecycle.
At its core, this principle requires that every PRINCE2 project has a documented Business Case that articulates why the project is being undertaken. The Business Case captures the expected benefits, costs, risks, and timescales associated with the project. It serves as the primary driver for decision-making and provides the rationale for investment.
The principle emphasizes continuous validation rather than a one-time assessment. Project teams must regularly review and verify that the business justification remains sound at key decision points, particularly at stage boundaries. If circumstances change and the project can no longer be justified, the project should be stopped rather than continuing to consume resources on an endeavor that will not deliver adequate value.
This principle connects closely to organizational strategy and ensures alignment between project activities and business objectives. The Project Board holds responsibility for confirming the Business Case remains viable, while the Executive owns the Business Case and champions its delivery.
Key aspects include defining clear success criteria, identifying measurable benefits, understanding who will realize those benefits, and establishing how benefits will be measured post-project. The Business Case evolves as more information becomes available, becoming increasingly detailed and refined as the project progresses.
By applying this principle, organizations protect themselves from investing in projects that no longer make business sense. It promotes accountability, supports informed decision-making, and ensures resources are directed toward initiatives that genuinely contribute to organizational goals and deliver real value to stakeholders.
Ensure Continued Business Justification - Complete Guide
Why is Ensure Continued Business Justification Important?
This principle is fundamental to PRINCE2 because it ensures that a project remains viable and worthwhile throughout its entire lifecycle. Projects consume organizational resources including time, money, and people. If a project no longer delivers value or its benefits no longer outweigh its costs, continuing would be wasteful. This principle protects organizations from investing in projects that have lost their purpose or value.
What is Ensure Continued Business Justification?
This principle states that a PRINCE2 project must have a valid and justifiable reason to start, and that justification must remain valid throughout the project's life. The Business Case document captures this justification, documenting the reasons for the project, expected benefits, costs, risks, and timescales.
Key aspects include: - A documented Business Case must exist - The Business Case drives decision-making - Justification is verified at each stage boundary - The project should stop if justification no longer exists
How Does It Work?
The Business Case is created during the Starting Up a Project process and developed further during the Initiating a Project process. It is then reviewed and updated:
- At the end of each management stage - When exceptions occur - During project closure
The Project Board is responsible for ensuring the project remains justified. If at any point the Business Case becomes invalid, the Project Board should consider stopping the project. Benefits realization may extend beyond project closure, requiring post-project reviews.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Ensure Continued Business Justification
1. Remember the Business Case is a living document Questions often test whether you understand that the Business Case is updated throughout the project, not just created once at the start.
2. Know who is responsible The Executive owns the Business Case and is accountable for business justification. The Project Board authorizes continued investment.
3. Understand the decision points Stage boundaries are key decision points where the Project Board assesses whether the project remains justified before authorizing the next stage.
4. Recognize when to stop a project If a question describes a scenario where the Business Case is no longer valid, the correct answer typically involves stopping or reassessing the project rather than continuing.
5. Link to benefits Business justification is closely tied to expected benefits. Questions may ask about benefits management and its relationship to ongoing justification.
6. Common exam scenarios Look for questions about what happens when costs increase significantly, benefits reduce, or business circumstances change. The principle suggests reviewing the Business Case and potentially stopping the project.
7. Distinguish from other principles Do not confuse this with other principles. This one specifically focuses on maintaining a valid reason for the project to continue based on business value.