Apply Project Board direction throughout the project lifecycle.
Covers the Project Board's activities: authorize initiation, authorize the project, authorize a stage or exception plan, give ad-hoc direction, and authorize project closure. Focuses on effective decision-making at the directing level and analyzing whether the approach is effective and fit for purpose given the project context.
5 minutes
5 Questions
In the context of PRINCE2 7, the Directing a Project (DP) process constitutes the management layer where the Project Board exercises overall control and decision-making authority. It spans from the completion of 'Starting Up a Project' until the final project closure. The primary purpose of DP is to enable the Project Board to remain accountable for the project's success without getting involved in day-to-day management, strictly adhering to the principle of 'Manage by Exception'.
This process covers five specific activities that trigger Board decisions:
1. Authorizing Initiation: The Board decides if the project is worth planning in detail based on the Project Brief.
2. Authorizing the Project: The Board approves the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), confirming the business case is sound before significant resources are committed.
3. Authorizing a Stage or Exception Plan: acting as a 'gate' review at the end of each management stage. The Board assesses current progress and viability before approving the plan (and resources) for the next stage or a recovery plan.
4. Giving Ad Hoc Direction: throughout a stage, the Board provides guidance and decisions on Exception Reports or Issue Reports escalated by the Project Manager.
5. Authorizing Project Closure: ensuring the project has delivered the agreed products and benefits (or a realization plan) before formally disbanding the project management team.
In PRINCE2 7, the DP process also places increased emphasis on the 'People' element, requiring the Board to foster a supportive culture and consider sustainability and stakeholder impact in every decision. Ultimately, Directing a Project provides the necessary authorization to start, continue, and close the project, ensuring it remains viable, desirable, and achievable at all times.In the context of PRINCE2 7, the Directing a Project (DP) process constitutes the management layer where the Project Board exercises overall control and decision-making authority. It spans from the completion of 'Starting Up a Project' until the final project closure. The primary purpose of DP is t…