Having a well defined and up to date business can be the key to the success of any PRINCE2 project – and yet it is often overlooked, or not used correctly (in these cases, projects tend to deliver poor results!)
It’s not difficult for some project managers to get bogged down in the detail of their PRINCE2 projects, and to lose sight of the overall business objectives.
Some project managers are also unsure about the information they are basing their Business Case on, and where to find it.
However – all PMs should remember that without an agreed Business Case, their project would not exist in the fist place, so making sure that it is accurate, up to date and referred to for the duration of the project is paramount.
In this post we explore some of the purposes of the PRINCE2 Business case, and consider how to use it effectively.
Want more tips?: Read about setting SMART Goals for your PRINCE2 projects here.
Managing a PRINCE2 Project requires PRINCE2 Practitioner Training, and PRINCE2 Foundation Training is necessary for being part of the project team. We offer both courses in our Brighton training centre, and can also provide training at your place of work.
What is the PRINCE2 Business Case For?
The PRINCE2 business case is a document which aligns your project to the overall strategy of your business or organisation. It explains why we are developing the products or focusing on the outcomes that your project is delivering. It describes the positive impact your project will have on the business, and how it contributes to organisational strategy.
The PRINCE2 business case is not something that you can just draw up at the start of the project and then file. It is a live document and as such should be referred to at the start, during the project and also at the end. It can be updated as and when required, depending on the progress of the project, or any shifts in organisational objectives that occur (not unusual if your project is over the course of a year or more)
The Project Executive owns the PRINCE2 Business Case – however it is the Project Manager’s job to maintain it throughout the course of the project, and to ensure it is updated in line with Change Control.
So – if you’re the PM – don’t assume that the Project Executive will take care of updating the Business case just because they own the document.
During our PRINCE2 Training courses, we make sure that all delegates understand the functionality of the Business Case – not just from the perspective of passing the exam – we also ensure that all delegates understand the importance of the business case in ensuring that your PRINCE2 Project meets organisational objectives – even if these change during project delivery.
Similar posts you may like:
- Take a closer look at the PRINCE2® Processes
- The Seven PRINCE2 Principles
- Evaluating a PRINCE2 Project
- PRINCE2 Project Initiation Document Template
- Communication Skills in Project Management
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Effective PRINCE2 Business Case, PRINCE2 Business Case, PRINCE2 Practitioner Training, PRINCE2 Tips, prince2 training