Managing a Stage Boundary Process

In PRINCE2 7, the Managing a Stage Boundary (SB) process is the critical 'gate' mechanism that enables the Project Board to maintain control over the project by reviewing progress and approving the next steps. It occurs towards the end of every management stage, except the final one. The primary objective is to provide the Project Board with sufficient evidence to decide whether the project remains desirable, viable, and achievable. The process involves two distinct perspectives: looking back and looking forward. The Project Manager reviews the performance of the current stage against the approved Stage Plan, creating an End Stage Report that details quality activities, costs, and timescales. Simultaneously, the Project Manager creates the Stage Plan for the next stage, defining the products, resources, and controls required. A vital activity within SB is updating the Project Plan and Business Case. The Project Plan is revised with actual data from the current stage and updated forecasts for the remainder of the project. The Business Case is reviewed to ensure the project's justification holds true in light of these updates and any changes in the risk profile. If the process is triggered due to a deviation beyond tolerance (an exception), the output is an Exception Plan rather than a Next Stage Plan. Upon completion of the SB process, the documentation is submitted to the Project Board via the Directing a Project process, requesting authorization to proceed. In PRINCE2 7, the Managing a Stage Boundary (SB) process is the critical 'gate' mechanism that enables the Project Board to maintain control over the project by reviewing progress and approving the next steps. It occurs towards the end of every management stage, except the final one. The primary ob…