PRINCE2 7th edition has five integrated elements: People, Principles, Practices, Processes, and Project Context. The seven processes describe the chronological flow of a PRINCE2 project — from Starting Up through to Closing a Project. While the Practices must be addressed continuously throughout the project, the processes are sequential and stage-based.
Starting Up a Project (SU)
Establishes the project team, prepares a Project Brief, determines the overall approach, and plans the next (Initiation) stage for board authorisation.
Learn more →Initiating a Project (IP)
Builds on startup work, develops the Business Case, agrees quality approach, creates project files and the overall plan for Project Board approval.
Learn more →Directing a Project (DP)
Dictates how the Project Board controls the overall project — authorising initiation, stages, and the closure of the project.
Controlling a Stage (CS)
Defines how individual stages are controlled, including Work Package authorisation, progress monitoring, and issue handling.
Managing Stage Boundaries (SB)
Covers end-of-stage activities including planning the next stage and amending project documentation based on what was learned.
Managing Product Delivery (MP)
Controls the link between the Project Manager and Team Managers through formal Work Package agreements.
Closing a Project (CP)
Handles end-of-project activities including decommissioning, identifying follow-on actions, and project evaluation.
Download a PRINCE2 Process Model overview from the PRINCE2 Downloads page — available in English, Danish, Dutch and Polish.