ABSTRACT
The terms ‘stage’ and ‘phase’ are normally interchangeable, and usually have the same meaning. The word ‘stage’ is preferred throughout this manual. Where it is related specifically to PRINCE®, this is mentioned. Be aware that a PRINCE®-based environment, stages are generally timed for management rather than technical purposes, and a Stage End may occur part way through a piece of technical work. In other approaches, stages often follow the technical work more closely. For example, you may divide your projects into stages called ‘Requirements Definition’, ‘Design’, ‘Build and Test’ and ‘Implement’. You may have a management review point between each, following the same principle as PRINCE®. Whenever you run a project that you have divided into stages with interim reviews, you create an environment favourable to effective management and control.
