In PRINCE2 7, the Starting Up a Project process contains several key activities, including Select Project Approach and Assemble Brief, which are fundamental to establishing a solid foundation for the project.
Select Project Approach involves determining how the project will deliver its products an…In PRINCE2 7, the Starting Up a Project process contains several key activities, including Select Project Approach and Assemble Brief, which are fundamental to establishing a solid foundation for the project.
Select Project Approach involves determining how the project will deliver its products and achieve its objectives. This activity considers various factors such as the organization's capabilities, available resources, existing infrastructure, and any constraints or requirements. The project team evaluates different delivery options, which might include building a solution in-house, outsourcing, purchasing off-the-shelf products, or using a hybrid approach. The selected approach must align with corporate strategies, consider technical requirements, and account for the skills available within the organization. This decision significantly impacts the project's timeline, costs, and resource allocation.
Assemble Brief is the activity where all preliminary information gathered during the Starting Up process is compiled into a cohesive Project Brief document. This document serves as the foundation for the next stage and includes essential elements such as the project definition, business case outline, project approach, project management team structure, and role descriptions. The Project Brief provides enough information for the Project Board to make an informed decision about whether to authorize the initiation stage.
The Project Brief typically contains the project objectives, scope, desired outcomes, major deliverables, constraints, assumptions, known risks, and stakeholder expectations. It draws upon information from the project mandate, lessons learned from previous similar projects, and insights gathered from stakeholders during preliminary discussions.
Both activities are crucial because they ensure that before significant resources are committed, there is clarity about what the project aims to achieve and how it will be accomplished. This preparation enables the Project Board to make a well-informed decision about proceeding to the Initiation Stage, where detailed planning occurs.
Select Project Approach and Assemble Brief
The Starting Up a Project (SU) process in PRINCE2 v7 includes two critical activities: Select the Project Approach and Assemble the Project Brief. Understanding these activities is essential for exam success and practical project management.
Why Is This Important?
Selecting the right project approach and assembling a comprehensive Project Brief are foundational activities that: • Determine how the project will deliver its products • Provide decision-makers with enough information to decide whether to proceed • Establish the basis for detailed planning in the Initiation Stage • Reduce risk by ensuring alignment between delivery method and project needs
What Is the Project Approach?
The project approach defines the type of solution to be developed and how the project work will be delivered. This includes considerations such as: • Build vs. Buy - Will products be created new or purchased? • In-house vs. Outsourced - Who will do the work? • Delivery method - Linear, iterative, or hybrid approach? • Existing capabilities - Can current assets be reused or modified?
The Project Manager recommends the approach based on factors including organizational standards, available skills, timescales, and risk tolerance.
What Is the Project Brief?
The Project Brief is a key management product created during Starting Up a Project. It provides an outline of the project and serves as the foundation for the Project Initiation Documentation (PID). The Project Brief contains: • Project definition (objectives, scope, deliverables) • Outline Business Case • Project Product Description • Project approach • Project management team structure • Role descriptions
How Does This Work in Practice?
1. The Project Manager evaluates different approaches considering constraints and organizational context 2. Options are assessed against criteria such as cost, time, risk, and capability 3. A recommended approach is documented 4. The Project Manager then assembles all outputs from Starting Up a Project into the Project Brief 5. The Project Brief is submitted to the Project Board for review 6. If approved, the project moves to the Initiation Stage
Key Relationships
• The Project Mandate triggers the creation of the Project Brief • The Project Brief evolves into the PID during initiation • The selected approach influences the stage structure and planning approach
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Select Project Approach and Assemble Brief
Tip 1: Remember that selecting the project approach happens before detailed planning. It is about choosing the right delivery strategy, not creating detailed plans.
Tip 2: The Project Brief is an output of Starting Up a Project and an input to Directing a Project (for authorization) and Initiating a Project.
Tip 3: Know who is responsible - the Project Manager selects the approach and assembles the brief, while the Project Board approves it.
Tip 4: Questions may test whether you understand that the Project Brief contains an outline Business Case, not the detailed version.
Tip 5: Be clear that the project approach considers both what solution type will be delivered and how it will be delivered.
Tip 6: Watch for questions about sequencing - assembling the brief occurs after other SU activities produce their outputs.
Tip 7: The Project Brief must provide sufficient information for the Project Board to make an informed decision about proceeding to initiation.