Continuous Business Justification

Continuous Business Justification Principle in PRINCE2

What is the Continuous Business Justification Principle?

The Continuous Business Justification principle is one of the seven fundamental principles of PRINCE2. It states that a project must have ongoing, demonstrable justification for its existence. This means that a project should only start and continue as long as there is a valid business case that shows the investment in the project is worthwhile compared to its expected benefits.

Why is Continuous Business Justification Important?

This principle ensures that:
- Resources are not wasted on projects that do not provide value
- Project decisions consistently align with business objectives
- There is a clear rationale for the project throughout its lifecycle
- Stakeholders maintain a shared understanding of the project's purpose
- Projects can be stopped if they no longer justify the investment

How Continuous Business Justification Works

1. Initial justification: Before a project begins, a Business Case is developed that outlines the expected benefits, costs, timescales, and risks.

2. Regular reviews: The Business Case is reviewed at key decision points (especially stage boundaries) to confirm the project remains viable.

3. Documentation: The Business Case document is maintained throughout the project, being updated as circumstances change.

4. Ownership: The Executive (as part of the Project Board) is ultimately responsible for ensuring the project maintains its business justification.

5. End of project assessment: After completion, the project's actual performance is measured against the Business Case.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Continuous Business Justification

1. Focus on ongoing nature: Remember that justification must be maintained throughout the project, not just at the start.

2. Link to Business Case: Questions often test your understanding of how the Business Case document supports this principle.

3. Recognize key roles: Know that the Executive is responsible for the Business Case, with the Project Manager supporting its development and maintenance.

4. Understand review points: Be clear about when the Business Case should be reviewed (stage boundaries, exception situations).

5. Identify correct responses: In the exam, look for answers that emphasize:
- Comparing costs and benefits throughout the project lifecycle
- Making decisions based on business value
- Stopping projects that lose their justification
- Updating the Business Case as circumstances change

6. Connect to other principles: Understand how Continuous Business Justification relates to other PRINCE2 principles, especially Learn from Experience and Manage by Stages.

7. Apply to scenarios: Be prepared to apply this principle to scenario-based questions where you need to identify the correct action based on changes to business justification.

8. Remember common traps: Watch for answer options that suggest:
- Creating justification only at project start
- Focusing only on technical deliverables rather than business value
- Proceeding with work solely because it was in the original plan
- Allowing scope changes that compromise justification

By thoroughly understanding this principle, you can approach exam questions with confidence and demonstrate your knowledge of one of PRINCE2's most fundamental concepts.