Initiating a Project (IP) is the PRINCE2 process that follows after Starting up a Project has been completed and the Project Board has authorized project initiation. This critical process establishes solid foundations for the project by creating the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), which ser…Initiating a Project (IP) is the PRINCE2 process that follows after Starting up a Project has been completed and the Project Board has authorized project initiation. This critical process establishes solid foundations for the project by creating the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), which serves as the main reference and baseline document throughout the project lifecycle. During IP, the project management team develops a detailed understanding of the work required, establishing controls and plans that will enable successful delivery. Key activities include establishing project management strategies for risk, quality, communication, and configuration management. The team prepares the project plan, refines the business case, and sets up project controls. IP also involves assembling all the components of the PID, which includes defining project approaches, team structure, role descriptions, and quality expectations. The process clarifies how benefits will be realized and measured, how the project will be controlled, and what will constitute project success. A well-executed IP process ensures all stakeholders understand what the project aims to achieve, how and when it will be done, and who is involved with what responsibilities. It provides the Project Board with sufficient information to decide whether the project is viable and worth investing in further. The comprehensive planning during IP reduces uncertainty and establishes a stable platform from which the project can be effectively managed. This process concludes when the Project Board approves the PID and authorizes the project to proceed to the first delivery stage.
PRINCE2 Processes: Initiating a Project (IP) - Complete Guide
Why Initiating a Project (IP) Is Important
The Initiating a Project process is a cornerstone of PRINCE2 methodology because it establishes the solid foundation needed for project success. This process:
• Creates a robust baseline for decision-making throughout the project • Ensures all stakeholders share a common understanding of the project's purpose • Establishes how the project will be governed and controlled • Secures formal commitment of resources before major expenditure begins • Clarifies what the project is expected to deliver and why
What Is the Initiating a Project Process?
Initiating a Project is the second process in the PRINCE2 methodology, following the Starting Up a Project process. It focuses on establishing solid foundations for the project by developing the Project Initiation Documentation (PID).
The PID is a comprehensive document that includes:
• Business Case: Justification for the project • Project Brief: High-level definition of what the project will deliver • Project Approach: How the work will be carried out • Project Management Team Structure: Roles and responsibilities • Project Plan: Timeline, resources, costs and activities • Risk Management Strategy: How risks will be identified and managed • Quality Management Strategy: How quality will be planned and controlled • Configuration Management Strategy: How project products will be controlled • Communication Management Strategy: How communications will be managed
How the Initiating a Project Process Works
Key Activities:
1. Prepare the Risk Management Strategy - Define how risks will be identified, assessed and controlled
2. Prepare the Configuration Management Strategy - Define how project products will be controlled and protected
3. Prepare the Quality Management Strategy - Define quality requirements and how they will be met
4. Prepare the Communication Management Strategy - Define how communication will flow between stakeholders
5. Set up the project controls - Establish reporting and decision-making mechanisms
6. Create the Project Plan - Develop detailed plans for project execution
7. Refine the Business Case - Develop detailed justification for the project
8. Assemble the Project Initiation Documentation (PID) - Compile all planning documents
Key Roles:
• Project Manager - Leads the process, developing strategies and plans • Executive - Confirms business justification and project objectives • Project Board - Reviews and approves the PID • Project Assurance - Ensures compliance with strategies and standards • Team Manager - Contributes specialist knowledge
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Initiating a Project (IP)
1. Know the purpose - Remember that IP establishes the solid foundation for the project by creating the PID.
2. Understand the timing - IP occurs after Starting Up a Project and before Managing a Stage Boundary.
3. Memorize the key outputs - The main output is the Project Initiation Documentation (PID).
4. Recognize the roles - Know who is responsible for various activities in this process.
5. Connect to themes - IP sets up management strategies for Risk, Quality, Configuration, and Communication themes.
6. Know the key activities - Focus on the eight key activities listed above.
7. Understand the authorization point - The Project Board must authorize the project after reviewing the PID.
8. Recognize common pitfalls: • Do not confuse Starting Up a Project activities with Initiating a Project activities • Remember that IP creates detailed plans while SU creates high-level outlines • Project Manager leads IP while Executive leads SU
9. Read questions carefully - Look for clues about which part of the IP process is being tested.
10. Context matters - Consider the project scenario when selecting the best answer.
The Initiating a Project process transforms the initial project concept into a comprehensive plan that can be executed with confidence. It ensures everyone understands what needs to be done, why, and how success will be measured before significant resources are committed to the project.