In the context of the PRINCE2 7 'Starting Up a Project' process, the activity 'Select Project Approach and Assemble the Project Brief' is fundamental to defining the high-level strategy before the project is formally initiated. Its primary objective is to determine the most effective method for del…In the context of the PRINCE2 7 'Starting Up a Project' process, the activity 'Select Project Approach and Assemble the Project Brief' is fundamental to defining the high-level strategy before the project is formally initiated. Its primary objective is to determine the most effective method for delivering the project's products within the constraints of time, cost, quality, and scope.
During this activity, the Project Manager facilitates a review of potential delivery options. This involves deciding whether to build a solution from scratch (bespoke), buy an off-the-shelf product (COTS), or outsource the work. Crucially, the delivery method is also selected, determining whether the project will follow a linear (Waterfall), iterative-incremental (Agile), or hybrid lifecycle. This decision shapes how the rest of the project is planned and managed.
PRINCE2 7 places a renewed emphasis on sustainability and the wider organizational ecosystem during this selection. The chosen approach must align with the organization's sustainability goals (environmental, social, and governance) and operational standards. For instance, the approach should consider the long-term maintenance impact and the carbon footprint of the delivery method. The Project Manager must also incorporate lessons learned from previous projects to mitigate risks associated with specific approaches.
The selected approach is formally recorded in the Project Brief. By agreeing on this approach early, the Project Board ensures that the subsequent 'Initiating a Project' process focuses on detailing a viable and agreed-upon strategy. This prevents the project team from wasting resources planning a delivery method that the business cannot support or that fails to provide value.
What is 'Select Project Approach'? The 'Select Project Approach' activity is a critical step within the Starting Up a Project process. Before the project is fully initiated or detailed planning begins, the project management team must decide on the strategy for delivering the project's product. This defines how the project will be conducted and how the solution will be delivered.
Why is it Important? You cannot create a realistic Project Plan without knowing the approach. For example, the schedule, budget, and risks for building a custom software solution differ drastically from buying an off-the-shelf product. This activity ensures that: 1. The chosen method aligns with business constraints and corporate standards (e.g., sustainability goals). 2. The project does not waste time planning a solution that is technically unfeasible. 3. The delivery method (e.g., Agile vs. Linear) suits the project environment.
How it Works During this activity, the Project Manager (often with input from the Senior User and Senior Supplier) will: • Evaluate Solution Options: Determine if the solution should be developed in-house, contracted to a third party, based on an existing product, or purchased off-the-shelf. • Determine Delivery Method: Decide if the project lifecycle will be Linear (Waterfall), Iterative-Incremental (Agile), or a Hybrid. • Review Lessons: Check the Lessons Log for previous approaches that succeeded or failed. • Output: The agreed approach is documented in the Project Brief. This eventually evolves into the Project Initiation Documentation (PID) during the next stage.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Select Project Approach For the PRINCE2 Practitioner v7 exam, keep these tips in mind:
1. Location is Key If a question asks where the project approach is recorded during the 'Starting Up' process, the answer is the Project Brief. Do not confuse this with the PID (which comes later).
2. Analyze the Scenario Constraints Practitioner questions are scenario-based. If the scenario states strict regulatory deadlines and fixed requirements, a Linear approach is likely the correct answer. If the scenario highlights unclear requirements or a need for rapid customer feedback, look for an option involving an Iterative/Agile approach.
3. Don't Confuse 'Approach' with 'Plan' The 'Approach' is the high-level strategy (Build vs. Buy, Agile vs. Waterfall). The 'Plan' involves dates and resources. If a question asks about deciding how to solve the business problem, it refers to the Approach, not the creation of the Project Plan.
4. Sustainability & Context In v7, pay attention to sustainability and organizational context. The correct answer often involves tailoring the approach to meet corporate sustainability targets or specific organizational environments.