ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses Directing a Project (DP) on Projects In Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) for Beginners. The DP authorizes project initiation, provides liaison with corporate/programme management, approves stage plans and approves stage closure. The day-to-day management is left to the project manager, but the project board must exercise overall control and take the key decisions. The initiation stage confirms that a viable project exists and that everybody concerned agrees what is to be done. As with all project work, the effort required to do this needs the approval of the project board. The project board must assure itself that the project's products have been handed over and are acceptable. They are also responsible, based on information provided by the project manager and those with project assurance responsibility. The project manager has to justify both progress so far and the plan for the next stage before being allowed to continue.
