In PRINCE2 7 Practitioner and PRINCE2 Principles in Context, 'Manage by Stages' is a core principle that structures the project lifecycle into manageable segments or stages. This approach allows for systematic planning, monitoring, and control, ensuring that each stage delivers defined outputs befo…In PRINCE2 7 Practitioner and PRINCE2 Principles in Context, 'Manage by Stages' is a core principle that structures the project lifecycle into manageable segments or stages. This approach allows for systematic planning, monitoring, and control, ensuring that each stage delivers defined outputs before progressing to the next. By dividing the project into stages, it becomes easier to assess progress, manage risks, and allocate resources effectivelyEach stage begins with a detailed planning process, where objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resources are clearly defined. This facilitates better decision-making and provides the project board with checkpoints to evaluate performance and make informed decisions about continuing, modifying, or terminating the project. At the end of each stage, a stage boundary review occurs, ensuring that the project's viability and alignment with business goals are reaffirmed'Manage by Stages' also promotes flexibility and adaptability. If changes in the project environment or business priorities occur, they can be addressed at the end of each stage, minimizing disruptions and maintaining project alignment with strategic objectives. This incremental approach enhances risk management by allowing for regular assessment and mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycleMoreover, this principle fosters better communication and stakeholder engagement. By segmenting the project, stakeholders can be regularly updated on progress, providing opportunities for feedback and ensuring their continued support and involvement. It also facilitates more accurate forecasting and budgeting, as each stage is planned in detail, reducing uncertainties and enhancing the overall control of the projectIn summary, 'Manage by Stages' in PRINCE2 ensures that projects are divided into manageable parts, enabling effective planning, control, and delivery. It enhances the ability to respond to changes, manages risks proactively, and ensures that each stage aligns with the overarching business objectives, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success.
Prince2 Manage by Stages Principle - Complete Guide
What is the Manage by Stages Principle?
The Manage by Stages principle is one of the seven fundamental principles of PRINCE2 methodology. It advocates breaking down a project into distinct, manageable phases or stages, each with clear objectives and boundaries. Instead of trying to plan and execute an entire project at once, PRINCE2 recommends dividing it into smaller, more controllable chunks.
Why is the Manage by Stages Principle Important?
The Manage by Stages principle is crucial because it:
• Provides control points for project governance • Enables regular reviews and decision-making • Limits commitment of resources to one stage at a time • Allows for adjustments based on experience and lessons learned • Reduces complexity by breaking down the project • Facilitates risk management through periodic assessment • Enhances project visibility and control
How the Manage by Stages Principle Works
Stage Planning Each stage requires detailed planning. The current stage is planned in detail, while future stages are planned at a higher level. This approach is known as "rolling wave planning" and allows for progressive elaboration as more information becomes available.
Stage Boundaries At the end of each stage, there's a formal stage boundary where the project board reviews progress, approves the next stage plan, and makes a decision to continue, adjust, or terminate the project. This is a key control point in PRINCE2.
Management Stages vs. Technical Stages It's important to distinguish between management stages (used for project control) and technical stages (used for product delivery). Management stages may encompass multiple technical stages, but they always align with key decision points.
Minimum Requirements PRINCE2 requires at least two management stages: an initiation stage and at least one more stage. The number of stages should be proportionate to the project's scale, risk, and complexity.
Implementing the Manage by Stages Principle
To effectively implement this principle:
• Break down the project based on major decision points • Consider risk levels when determining stage boundaries • Balance the need for control against administrative overhead • Ensure each stage has clear objectives and deliverables • Use stage boundaries for thorough reviews and decision-making • Adjust future stage plans based on lessons from completed stages
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Manage by Stages
Key Concepts to Remember:
• Understand the difference between management stages and technical stages • Remember that stages are primarily about control, not just work breakdown • Know that each stage must be authorized by the Project Board • Recognize that detailed planning is only required for the current stage • Be familiar with end-stage assessment and its purpose
Common Question Types:
1. Scenario-based questions - These may ask you to identify appropriate stage boundaries in a given project scenario.
2. True/False statements - You might need to identify correct or incorrect statements about the Manage by Stages principle.
3. Application questions - These test your ability to apply the principle to practical situations.
4. Integration questions - Questions that ask how this principle relates to other PRINCE2 elements.
Strategies for Answering:
• Look for key words related to control, decision points, and authorization • Pay attention to the scale and complexity of the project described • Consider risk levels when evaluating stage planning scenarios • Remember that stage boundaries are control points, not just schedule milestones • Focus on how stages enhance management control and decision-making
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
• Confusing management stages with technical stages or work packages • Assuming that more stages always means better control • Focusing only on product delivery rather than management control • Forgetting that each stage requires Project Board authorization • Thinking stage planning is a one-time activity rather than progressive
Remember that the Manage by Stages principle is fundamentally about providing control, establishing decision points, and limiting commitments to manageable portions of the project. Questions will often test whether you understand how this principle helps manage risk and uncertainty while providing management oversight.