Starting up a Project (SU)
Starting up a Project (SU) is the first process in the PRINCE2 methodology that occurs pre-project, designed to ensure that the prerequisites for initiating the project are in place. This process starts when a mandate (or project brief) exists that outlines a reason for the project and expected outcomes. The primary objective is to avoid poorly conceived projects by ensuring sufficient information exists to decide whether the project is worthwhile and viable before significant resources are committed. During SU, the Project Board considers fundamental questions: Is this a worthwhile project? Is it viable? Should we invest in creating a detailed plan? Key activities include appointing the Executive and Project Manager, capturing previous lessons, designing and appointing the project management team, preparing an outline Business Case, and creating the Project Brief. The process also involves planning the Initiation Stage, which sets out how the project team will develop the more detailed Project Initiation Documentation (PID). SU creates the project management team structure, establishes a project approach, and confirms project assumptions. A successful SU process ensures alignment with corporate, program, or customer strategies, establishes clear project objectives, assigns key roles, and sets realistic expectations. This process is critical for preventing project failure by ensuring proper preparation and evaluation before proceeding to full initiation, essentially acting as a gateway that protects organizations from committing resources to ill-conceived initiatives.
Starting up a Project (SU) Process in PRINCE2
The Starting up a Project (SU) process is a crucial pre-project stage in the PRINCE2 methodology that sets the foundation for project success.
Why Starting up a Project (SU) is important:
SU acts as a gateway that helps organizations make informed decisions before committing significant resources. It enables senior management to consider if a project is worthwhile and viable before initiating it formally. This process helps prevent poorly conceived projects from proceeding, saving valuable time and resources.
What Starting up a Project (SU) is:
SU is the very first process in PRINCE2, occurring before the project is officially initiated. It's designed as a lightweight process to gather just enough information for senior management to decide whether to proceed to the Initiating a Project (IP) phase. SU creates the Project Brief, outlines the project approach, and establishes the Project Management Team structure.
Key objectives of SU:
• Ensure there is a business justification for the project
• Create a Project Brief
• Define the project approach
• Appoint the Executive and Project Manager
• Design and appoint the Project Management Team
• Plan the Initiation Stage
• Request authorization to proceed to initiation
How Starting up a Project (SU) works:
SU consists of six activities:
1. Appoint the Executive and Project Manager - The first step is to identify and appoint these key roles
2. Capture previous lessons - Review lessons from similar projects to avoid repeating mistakes
3. Design and appoint the Project Management Team - Define the team structure and key roles
4. Prepare the outline Business Case - Document the business justification for the project
5. Select the project approach and assemble the Project Brief - Determine how the project will be approached technically and compile the Project Brief
6. Plan the initiation stage - Create a detailed plan for the initiation activities
The output of SU is a request to the Project Board to proceed to the Initiation Stage, along with the Project Brief, outline Business Case, and Initiation Stage Plan.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Starting up a Project (SU)
1. Remember SU happens BEFORE the project formally exists - Many exam questions try to confuse candidates about the timing of SU activities. Remember that SU occurs before formal project initiation.
2. Know the key outputs - Be familiar with all outputs from the SU process: Project Brief, outline Business Case, Initiation Stage Plan, and the request to initiate the project.
3. Understand role appointments - The Executive and Project Manager are appointed during SU, and they then design and appoint the rest of the Project Management Team.
4. Distinguish between SU and IP - A common exam trap is confusing activities between SU and Initiating a Project (IP). SU creates an outline Business Case, while IP develops the detailed version.
5. Focus on the lightweight nature - SU is meant to be quick and use minimal resources. Questions may test your understanding of proportionality in applying the process.
6. Recognize purpose vs. activities - Questions may ask about why certain activities are performed rather than just what they are.
7. Connect to principles - Be prepared to explain how SU supports PRINCE2 principles, especially Continued Business Justification and Learning from Experience.
8. Understand exceptions - Some questions may test your knowledge of when certain SU activities might be simplified or tailored based on project context.
9. Know the relationship with other processes - SU connects primarily to Directing a Project (DP) and Initiating a Project (IP).
10. Be clear on responsibilities - Questions often test who is responsible for specific activities within SU.
By thoroughly understanding the purpose, activities, and outputs of the Starting up a Project process, you'll be well-prepared to answer exam questions on this foundational PRINCE2 process.
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