Apply product-based planning and manage project plans effectively.
Covers project, stage, team, and exception plans, along with project product descriptions and work package descriptions. Focuses on the product-based planning technique, planning horizons, project stages, scope management, dependencies, and using tolerances to manage constraints. Includes delivery sustainability considerations and analyzing whether planning approaches are effective.
5 minutes
5 Questions
In PRINCE2 7, the Plans practice serves as the backbone for communication and control, defining how, when, and by whom the project's products will be delivered. It operates on the principle that planning is iterative, evolving from high-level outlines to detailed schedules as information becomes available.
Central to this practice is the **Product-Based Planning** technique. Unlike traditional methods that start with activities, PRINCE2 starts with the deliverables. This involves defining the Project Product Description, creating a hierarchical Product Breakdown Structure (PBS), writing detailed Product Descriptions, and mapping the Product Flow Diagram. This focus ensures that the scope is strictly defined by the project's output, significantly reducing scope creep.
PRINCE2 utilizes a hierarchy of plans to match management levels: the **Project Plan** provides the Project Board with a high-level baseline; **Stage Plans** provide the Project Manager with day-to-day control over specific management stages; and optional **Team Plans** allow Team Managers to organize Work Packages. Additionally, **Exception Plans** are produced to replace existing plans when tolerances are forecast to be exceeded.
The recommended approach follows a logical sequence: designing the plan style, defining products, identifying activities/dependencies, preparing estimates, scheduling, documenting, and finally, analyzing risks. PRINCE2 7 specifically highlights the importance of estimation techniques (such as Delphi or T-shirt sizing) and the integration of sustainability targets within plans. Ultimately, the Plans practice provides the baseline against which the Progress practice measures performance, ensuring the project remains viable and achievable.In PRINCE2 7, the Plans practice serves as the backbone for communication and control, defining how, when, and by whom the project's products will be delivered. It operates on the principle that planning is iterative, evolving from high-level outlines to detailed schedules as information becomes av…