Introduction: In PRINCE2, there are 7 Processes that provide guidance on

every stage of the project from initiation to completion. The Starting Up a

Project Process (which is also known as Pre-project) is the very first and a
brief PRINCE2 Process aiming at ensuring the project is viable, feasible and
worthwhile to undertake.

Starting Up a Project (SU) Process

Purpose and Objectives of Starting Up a Project Process
Purpose: to provide the project board with the necessary information (besides the
project mandate) to decide whether to give a go for the project and to plan for the
Initiation Stage
Objectives:
prepare the Outline Business Case (which will be refined in Initiation Stage as
the Business Case)
take references to lessons learned from other projects/industrial
recommendations/organization guidelines to establish the project approach
assign roles to individuals involved in the project
create the Project Brief an overview of the scope and other information
collected in the Process
formulate the Stage Plan for the Initiation Stage

Input(s), Activities and Output(s) of Starting Up a Project

Process
Input(s):
Project Mandate (as the Project Trigger) supplied by the management
including reasons for the project, business case information and other datas
Activities:
Management to appoint the Executive, Project Manager and Project
Management Team
Capture Lessons Learned from previous projects
Expand the Project Mandate into the Project Brief
Refine the Outline Business Case among the Project Board, Project Manager
and Stakeholders iteratively
Create the Project Product Description (PPD), Project Brief and Stage Plan
Project Board to authorize Project Initiation
Output(s):
Project Brief containing the following documents/information
Outline Business Case contains the business justifications for the
project
 Project Product Description (PPD) 1-3 page describing the project
products
Project Management Structure (PMT) describing the project
management structure (i.e. the Project Board, Assurance, Change
Authority and Project Manager)
Project Approach the approach to project management
6 performance targets, roles & responsibilities
Initiation Stage Plan detailed activity plan for the Initiation Stage
Request to Initiate the Project sent to Project Board for endorsement
PRINCE2 Recommendations for Starting Up a Project
Process
Design and assign the project management team
Create role descriptions (including reporting and communication lines) for Project
Board roles, Project Assurance, Team Managers and Project Support role
Identified risks are to be added to the Daily Log
The Outline Business Case is only developed with a high level overview at this
time to be refined in the Initiating a Project process
Have a clear understanding of the objectives and reasons of the project (what to
deliver and how the project will be funded)
Roles and Responsibilities for Starting Up a Project
Process
Corporate or Programme Management: provide the project mandate, set the project
tolerance and appoint the Executive & Project Manager
Executive: responsible for the Outline Business Case (with assistance from Project
Manager)
Senior User(s): provide information for Project Product Description
Project Manager: responsible for the Project Product Description (PPD), Project
Brief and Stage Plan
Team Manager: assist project manager

Conclusion:
Starting Up a Project (SU) Process describes the purpose, objectives,
inputs, activities, outputs and recommendations from the perspective of
PRINCE2 project management methodology. The Starting Up a Project
(SU) Process has the sole purpose to answer the question: Is the project
worthwhile and viable? with the minimum efforts.