PRINCE2 is one of the most widely used project management methodologies, especially in government and regulated sectors. At its core are the 7 Processes — the structured steps that take a project from conception to closure.
Think of these as the “roadmap” of PRINCE2. Each process has defined activities, roles, and outputs that keep the project controlled and justifiable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide with practical examples.
1. Starting Up a Project (SU)
Purpose: Confirm whether the project is viable before significant resources are invested.
Key Activities:
- Appoint the Executive and Project Manager.
- Capture the project mandate (why it’s needed).
- Draft the outline Business Case.
- Create the Project Brief.
💡 Example: A health service receives funding to explore a new clinic. A Project Manager is appointed, and a simple Project Brief is drafted to test if the project should proceed.
2. Directing a Project (DP)
Purpose: Enable the Project Board to make key decisions and provide overall direction.
Key Activities:
- Approve initiation.
- Approve stage boundaries.
- Give ad-hoc direction.
- Confirm project closure.
💡 Example: The Project Board reviews the Initiation Documentation and approves the project to move into full planning and delivery.
3. Initiating a Project (IP)
Purpose: Lay the foundation for success by planning the project in detail.
Key Activities:
- Create the detailed Business Case.
- Develop the Project Initiation Documentation (PID).
- Define quality expectations, risk management approach, and controls.
💡 Example: For a school build, the Project Manager develops the PID, including stage plans, budget, risk register, and quality approach.
4. Controlling a Stage (CS)
Purpose: Assign work, monitor progress, and deal with issues within each stage.
Key Activities:
- Authorise work packages.
- Monitor and report progress.
- Manage risks and issues.
- Escalate if tolerances are exceeded.
💡 Example: During a hospital refurbishment stage, the Project Manager issues a work package to the IT contractor and monitors progress against time and cost tolerances.
5. Managing Product Delivery (MP)
Purpose: Ensure products (deliverables) are created and delivered to the agreed quality.
Key Activities:
- Accept work packages.
- Create products.
- Review quality.
- Deliver completed products back to the Project Manager.
💡 Example: A contractor installs medical equipment, completes quality checks, and hands it back for approval.
6. Managing a Stage Boundary (SB)
Purpose: Provide the Project Board with information to decide whether to continue to the next stage.
Key Activities:
- Prepare end stage report.
- Update the Business Case.
- Create next stage plan.
- Request approval to proceed.
💡 Example: At the end of the design stage for a transport project, the Project Manager submits an End Stage Report and plan for the construction phase.
7. Closing a Project (CP)
Purpose: Confirm project outcomes, evaluate performance, and hand over benefits tracking.
Key Activities:
- Confirm deliverables are accepted.
- Hand over to business-as-usual.
- Evaluate project performance.
- Capture lessons learned.
💡 Example: A new dental clinic opens, the Project Board signs off the outputs, and benefits are handed over to operational managers to track.
Summary Table – The 7 Processes
| Process | Purpose | Example |
| Starting Up a Project | Test viability | Draft clinic Project Brief |
| Directing a Project | Board decision-making | Approve initiation |
| Initiating a Project | Detailed planning | Develop PID for school build |
| Controlling a Stage | Manage delivery & risks | Issue IT contractor work package |
| Managing Product Delivery | Create and deliver outputs | Install medical equipment |
| Managing a Stage Boundary | Decide next stage | Submit End Stage Report |
| Closing a Project | Confirm outcomes & lessons | Open dental clinic and handover |
Key Takeaways
- The 7 Processes provide a clear roadmap for PRINCE2 projects.
- Each process ensures control, justification, and accountability.
- Using practical examples makes them easier to apply in real-world environments.
Next Steps
👉 When managing your next project, map activities against the 7 PRINCE2 Processes.
👉 Fill in the form below to download our free Project Kick-Off Checklist — designed to help you apply these processes from day one.
👉 Coming soon: The PRINCE2 Starter Kit Template Pack, with ready-to-use Business Case, Project Brief, Risk Register, and Highlight Report templates.
✅ With the 7 Processes as your guide, you’ll ensure projects remain controlled, justifiable, and aligned with strategy from start to finish.
