Managing a Stage Boundary

Question 1

There are four activities which are done routinely at the end of a stage. What are the first 3 (before the end stage)?

Answer 1

* Plan the next stage

* Update the Project Plan

* Update the Business case

Question 2

What is involved in planning the next stage (the first activity in managing a stage boundary)?

Answer 2

Planning the next stage involves first:

* Create Stage Plan, Product Descriptions

Then

* Update PID, CIR, Risk Register, Issue Register, Quality Register

Question 3

What is involved in updating the project plan (the second routine activity done in managing a stage boundary)?

Answer 3

Updating the project plan involves:

* updating the project plan

* issue register

* risk register

Question 4

What is involved in updating a business case (the third routine activity in managing a stage boundary)?

Answer 4

Updating a Business case involves:

* updating the business case

* benefits review plan

* risk register

* issue register

Question 5

What is the fourth routine activity at the end of a stage - what does it involve and what does it trigger?

Answer 5

The fourth routine activity at the end of stage is “Report End Stage”.

It involves:

• Create End Stage Report, Lessons Report, follow-on action recommendations

This triggers:

* Request to approve next Stage Plan

* Request to approve Exception Plan (if applicable)

Question 6

What is the final activity involved in managing a stage boundary that only happens sometimes, and in what circumstances does this occur?

Answer 6

The final activity involved in managing a stage boundary is only used if the stage or project enteres exception and an Exception Plan is requested.

Question 7

What happens in practice if a project enters exception and an exception plan is requested?

Answer 7

* A stage boundary is inserted and an Exception Plan is prepared

* After this the Project Plan and Business Case are updated

* The End Stage report is also produced for the new stage boundary

Question 8

What are the objectives of the managing a stage boundary process?

Mnemonic (APRPRR) (All People Reach Prison Riding Recklessly)

Answer 8

A - Assure the Project Board that all produces in the current Stage Plan have been completed as defined

P - Prepare the Stage Plan for the next stage

R - Review and if necessary update the PID

P - Provide the information needed for the Project Board to assess the continuing viability of the project

R - Request authorisation to start the next stage

R - Record any information or lessons that can help later stages or project, and obtain authorisation for the start of the next stage, together with its delegated tolerance margins