Each process within PRINCE2® is described using the following structure and format.
PurposeThis section describes the reason for the process.
ObjectiveThis section describes the specific objectives to be achieved by the process.
ContextThis section puts each process in context with the other processes and activities going on within the project and from corporate or programme management.
ActivitiesPRINCE2 processes comprise a set of activities, which may be run in series or in parallel.
PRINCE2 activities comprise a set of recommended actions designed to achieve a particular result.
The relationship between processes, activities and actions is shown in diagram 1.
A diagram is provided for each activity showing the inputs and outputs, including those products that are created or updated by that activity.
The recommended actions to be taken to achieve the objectives of the activity are described.
Each activity is concluded by a table showing the responsibilities for each product created or updated during the activity, as illustrated in diagram 2.
Note that management products created during one process may be approved in another (e.g. a Stage Plan is created in the Managing a Stage Boundary process but is approved in the Directing a Project process).
However, the complete set of responsibilities is shown, and those covered by another process are indicated by being shown in parentheses, e.g. (A).
The PRINCE2 key to diagrams is shown in diagram 3.
PRINCE2® is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries.