In the context of PRINCE2 7, the 'Starting Up a Project' process concludes with the activity known as 'Plan the initiation stage'. This is a critical checkpoint designed to ensure that the organization does not commit to the significant effort of detailed planning without first understanding the re…In the context of PRINCE2 7, the 'Starting Up a Project' process concludes with the activity known as 'Plan the initiation stage'. This is a critical checkpoint designed to ensure that the organization does not commit to the significant effort of detailed planning without first understanding the resources and time required to do so. It essentially involves 'planning the work to plan the work'.
The primary objective of this activity is to produce the Initiation Stage Plan. Unlike the Project Plan, which covers the delivery of the project's products, the Initiation Stage Plan focuses strictly on the duration and activities of the upcoming 'Initiating a Project' process. This plan details the work required to develop the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), such as refining the Business Case, defining the project management team structure, and agreeing on the project's controls and approaches.
During this activity, the Project Manager must engage with stakeholders to estimate the time and costs associated specifically with the initiation phase. In PRINCE2 7, this also involves considering the 'People' aspect early on, ensuring the right skills are available to define the project requirements, and addressing any sustainability targets relevant to the planning work itself.
The resulting Initiation Stage Plan is submitted to the Project Board alongside the Project Brief. It serves as a request for authorization to proceed. The Project Board reviews this in the 'Directing a Project' process (Authorize initiation). If approved, this plan becomes the baseline for the next stage, providing a clear contract for the work needed to fully define and baseline the project. This step prevents the 'rolling stone' syndrome, ensuring projects do not drift into existence without explicit management approval and budget allocation for the planning effort.
Plan Initiation Stage - PRINCE2 Practitioner v7 Guide
What is the Plan Initiation Stage? In the PRINCE2 Starting Up a Project (SU) process, the 'Plan Initiation Stage' is the final activity. It bridges the gap between the rough idea outlined in the Project Mandate and the detailed planning required in the Initiating a Project process. Essentially, it is the act of planning the planning stage.
Why is it Important? Initiating a project requires effort, time, and money (writing the Business Case, defining strategies, creating the Project Plan). This activity is crucial because: 1. It ensures the Project Board understands the cost of the planning work before authorizing it. 2. It prevents the organization from spending resources on the actual project delivery before the project foundation is defined. 3. It establishes the Initiation Stage Plan, which serves as the contract for the next stage of work.
How it Works The Project Manager executes this activity by: 1. Defining the Reporting and Management Products: Determining what controls and reports are needed during the initiation stage. 2. Estimating Resources: calculating how much time and money are needed to produce the Project Initiation Documentation (PID). 3. Creating the Initiation Stage Plan: This is the primary output. It details the schedule for the Initiating a Project process.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Plan Initiation Stage When answering Practitioner questions, apply the following logic:
1. Distinguish the Plans: The most common exam trap is confusing the Initiation Stage Plan with the Project Plan. Remember: Initiation Stage Plan = Created now. Covers only the work to define the project (creating the PID). Project Plan = Created later (during the Initiating a Project process). Covers the actual project delivery.
2. Focus on the Decision Gate: If a question asks about the trigger for the Project Board's 'Authorise Initiation' decision, the answer relates to the output of this activity. The Board cannot proceed without seeing the Initiation Stage Plan.
3. Tailoring for Scale: In a Practitioner scenario, if the project is small/simple, the exam may suggest merging Starting Up and Initiating. In this context, a formal 'Plan Initiation Stage' activity might be simplified or skipped, as the PM moves immediately to planning delivery. If the project is part of a programme, the programme may provide the Initiation Stage Plan, removing the need for the PM to create it from scratch.
4. Inputs and Outputs: Ensure you know that the Project Brief is a key input here (to understand scope), and the Initiation Stage Plan is the output. If an exam option suggests creating the Benefits Management Approach here, it is incorrect; that happens in the next process.