Plan Components in PRINCE2 represent the essential elements that make up a comprehensive project plan. Every PRINCE2 plan, regardless of its level, should contain these key components. The Plan Description provides a narrative overview of the plan, including its purpose, scope, approach, prerequisi…Plan Components in PRINCE2 represent the essential elements that make up a comprehensive project plan. Every PRINCE2 plan, regardless of its level, should contain these key components. The Plan Description provides a narrative overview of the plan, including its purpose, scope, approach, prerequisites, constraints, assumptions, and external dependencies. The Plan Prerequisites section outlines what must be in place before the plan can be executed, including products from other plans or external factors. The Product Descriptions define what needs to be produced, with quality criteria that set the standards each product must meet. The Activities and Schedule component breaks down the work required to create the products, showing activities, their sequence, durations, and resource requirements, often visualized in Gantt charts. The Resources section details all the people, equipment, materials, and budget required to deliver the plan. The Plan's Cost estimates incorporate both time-driven costs (like staff salaries) and product-driven costs (such as materials). Risk Management elements embed risk response actions within the plan's activities and may include risk-based contingency. Quality Management components show how quality will be controlled and assured throughout delivery. Plan Controls specify how the plan will be monitored and controlled, including reporting arrangements and decision points. Finally, the Monitoring and Control section outlines tracking methods, progress reporting frequency, and exception management procedures. Together, these components provide a holistic view of what will be delivered, how, by whom, when, at what cost, and how progress will be tracked.
PRINCE2 Plan Components: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Plan Components are Important
Plan components are essential in PRINCE2 methodology because they provide the structured elements needed for creating effective project plans. Having a clear understanding of plan components ensures:
• Consistency across all project plans • Clarity about what needs to be delivered • Better estimation of resources and time • Proper risk management • Clearer communication among stakeholders
What are Plan Components?
In PRINCE2, plan components are the fundamental building blocks that make up any plan. These components include:
1. Plan Description - A narrative explaining the plan's purpose and approach
2. Plan Prerequisites - Factors that must be in place for the plan to succeed
3. External Dependencies - Elements outside the plan's control that may affect it
4. Planning Assumptions - Assumptions made during plan creation
5. Lessons Incorporated - How previous experience has influenced the plan
6. Monitoring and Control - How progress will be tracked and managed
7. Budgets - Financial constraints and allocations
8. Tolerances - Acceptable deviation limits for time, cost, scope, risk, benefit, and quality
9. Product Descriptions - Detailed descriptions of the deliverables
10. Schedule - Timeline of activities and milestones
How Plan Components Work in Practice
Plan components serve as a checklist to ensure all necessary elements are included when creating a project plan. They operate as follows:
• Each component addresses a specific aspect of planning • Components are tailored based on the plan level (Project, Stage, Team, Exception) • They provide the information needed for informed decision-making • They establish baselines against which performance can be measured • They help identify potential issues early
For example, when creating a Stage Plan, the project manager will consider each component, including product descriptions for all products to be delivered in that stage, the schedule for work, and tolerances allowed for time and cost.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Plan Components
1. Memorize all ten components - Know each component by name and understand its purpose.
2. Understand how components vary across plan levels - Be aware that a Project Plan may have broader components than a Team Plan.
3. Focus on relationships between components - Know how prerequisites might affect schedules, or how assumptions impact tolerances.
4. Recognize the importance of product descriptions - These are often emphasized in exams as they link to the Products Theme.
5. Pay attention to scenario-based questions - Apply your knowledge of plan components to specific situations presented in questions.
6. Connect to other themes - Understand how plan components relate to Progress, Risk, and Quality themes.
7. Be clear on management products vs. specialist products - Know that plans themselves are management products containing information about specialist products.
8. Practice identifying missing components - Exam questions often ask what might be missing from a described plan.
9. Remember the purpose - Focus on why each component exists rather than just memorizing a list.
10. Apply the principle of tailoring - Understand how components might be adapted based on project size and complexity.
For exam success, always consider plan components as part of an integrated approach to project management rather than isolated elements.