Authorize Work Package is a critical activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2 7. This activity involves the Project Manager formally agreeing work to be completed with the relevant Team Manager or team member through the creation and approval of a Work Package.
The Work Package s…Authorize Work Package is a critical activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2 7. This activity involves the Project Manager formally agreeing work to be completed with the relevant Team Manager or team member through the creation and approval of a Work Package.
The Work Package serves as an agreement between the Project Manager and the Team Manager, containing all the information needed to execute, monitor, and complete the assigned work. It defines what needs to be delivered, the constraints, tolerances, reporting requirements, and approval criteria.
When authorizing a Work Package, the Project Manager must ensure several key elements are in place. First, they verify that the work aligns with the current Stage Plan and falls within approved tolerances. Second, they confirm that adequate resources are available to complete the work. Third, they establish clear interfaces and dependencies with other Work Packages or external parties.
The authorization process requires the Project Manager to communicate expectations clearly, including quality standards, timescales, cost constraints, and reporting arrangements. The Team Manager must understand and accept these requirements before work commences. This mutual agreement creates accountability and clarity for both parties.
Key components typically included in a Work Package are the product descriptions for deliverables, techniques and standards to be applied, constraints and tolerances, reporting arrangements, problem handling procedures, and approval methods. The level of formality depends on project complexity and organizational standards.
This activity supports the management by exception principle by establishing clear boundaries within which teams can operate autonomously. It also enables effective progress monitoring and provides a basis for accepting completed work later in the process.
The Authorize Work Package activity ensures controlled delegation of work while maintaining appropriate oversight, contributing to successful stage completion and overall project delivery.
Authorize Work Package - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Complete Guide
Introduction to Authorize Work Package
Authorize Work Package is a critical activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2. It represents the formal handover of work from the Project Manager to the Team Manager or team members, establishing clear boundaries and expectations for the work to be completed.
Why is Authorize Work Package Important?
This activity is essential for several reasons:
• Clear Accountability: It establishes who is responsible for delivering specific products • Defined Boundaries: It sets clear parameters for time, cost, and quality • Controlled Delegation: It enables the Project Manager to delegate work while maintaining control • Communication: It ensures all parties understand what needs to be delivered and when • Risk Management: It identifies constraints and risks associated with the work • Resource Efficiency: It ensures resources are properly allocated and utilized
What is Authorize Work Package?
Authorize Work Package is the activity where the Project Manager formally assigns a Work Package to a Team Manager or team member. A Work Package contains all the information needed to create one or more products, including:
• Product Descriptions for the products to be created • Techniques, processes, and procedures to be used • Interfaces between the work and other teams or external parties • Constraints including time, cost, and effort • Tolerances for the work • Reporting requirements including frequency and format • Approval requirements for completed products
How Does Authorize Work Package Work?
The process follows these steps:
Step 1: Planning the Work Package The Project Manager reviews the Stage Plan and identifies work that needs to be assigned. They prepare the Work Package documentation with all necessary details.
Step 2: Negotiation and Agreement The Project Manager discusses the Work Package with the Team Manager to ensure it is achievable within the stated constraints. This may involve negotiation on timescales, resources, or approach.
Step 3: Formal Authorization Once both parties agree, the Project Manager formally authorizes the Work Package. This creates a commitment from the Team Manager to deliver the specified products.
Step 4: Recording The authorization is recorded, and the Work Package becomes part of the project records. The Project Manager updates the Stage Plan to reflect the authorized work.
Outputs: • Authorized Work Package • Updated Stage Plan
Responsibilities
• Project Manager: Responsible for preparing and authorizing Work Packages • Team Manager: Responsible for accepting the Work Package and confirming it can be delivered as specified
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Authorize Work Package
Tip 1: Understand the Trigger Remember that this activity is triggered when the Project Manager needs to assign work to a team. Questions may ask what initiates this activity.
Tip 2: Know the Contents of a Work Package Exam questions frequently test whether you know what information is included in a Work Package. Focus on product descriptions, tolerances, constraints, and reporting arrangements.
Tip 3: Distinguish Between Roles The Project Manager authorizes Work Packages, not the Project Board. Questions may try to confuse you about who has this responsibility.
Tip 4: Link to Management by Exception Understand that Work Package tolerances support the management by exception principle. Teams work within tolerances and only escalate when tolerances are forecast to be exceeded.
Tip 5: Remember the Two-Way Agreement Authorization is not a one-way command. It requires agreement from the Team Manager that the work is achievable. Look for answer options that reflect this collaborative aspect.
Tip 6: Connect to Checkpoint Reports The reporting arrangements in the Work Package determine how often Checkpoint Reports are produced. Understanding this connection helps answer questions about project controls.
Common Exam Question Themes: • Purpose of authorizing Work Packages • Contents of a Work Package • Who is responsible for authorization • When this activity occurs • Relationship between Work Packages and tolerances