Take Corrective Action is a key activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2 7. This activity is triggered when the Project Manager identifies that actual progress or forecasts deviate from the approved Stage Plan, but the deviation remains within the tolerances delegated by the Proje…Take Corrective Action is a key activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2 7. This activity is triggered when the Project Manager identifies that actual progress or forecasts deviate from the approved Stage Plan, but the deviation remains within the tolerances delegated by the Project Board.
When monitoring stage progress, the Project Manager continuously compares actual performance against planned targets for time, cost, scope, quality, benefits, and risk. If variances are detected that could potentially cause the stage to exceed its tolerances, the Project Manager must respond proactively to bring the work back on track.
The corrective action process involves several steps. First, the Project Manager analyses the issue to understand its root cause and potential impact on the stage objectives. Then, they identify possible solutions or adjustments that could resolve the deviation. These might include reallocating resources between work packages, adjusting the sequence of activities, requesting additional effort from team members, or making minor scope adjustments within agreed tolerances.
Once a suitable corrective action is identified, the Project Manager implements the necessary changes and updates the Stage Plan accordingly. This may involve issuing revised Work Packages to Team Managers or adjusting agreements with external suppliers.
The Project Manager must document all corrective actions taken and their outcomes. This information feeds into Highlight Reports, keeping the Project Board informed of how deviations are being managed. If the corrective actions prove insufficient and the stage is forecast to exceed its tolerances, the Project Manager must escalate the matter by raising an Exception Report to the Project Board.
Effective corrective action demonstrates the Project Managers authority to manage day-to-day issues while maintaining control over stage delivery. It ensures that minor problems are resolved efficiently at the appropriate management level, preventing unnecessary escalation and enabling the Project Board to focus on strategic decisions.
Take Corrective Action in PRINCE2 Foundation v7
What is Take Corrective Action?
Take Corrective Action is a key activity within the Controlling a Stage process in PRINCE2. It refers to the actions taken by the Project Manager to address issues, problems, or deviations that occur during stage execution. When work packages or project activities deviate from the agreed plans, tolerances, or expected outcomes, the Project Manager must intervene to bring the project back on track.
Why is Take Corrective Action Important?
This activity is essential because:
• It ensures the project remains within agreed tolerances for time, cost, quality, scope, risk, and benefits • It maintains control over the stage and prevents small issues from escalating into major problems • It demonstrates proactive management rather than reactive crisis handling • It keeps the Project Board informed while allowing the Project Manager to handle issues within their authority • It supports the continued business justification of the project
How Does Take Corrective Action Work?
The process typically follows these steps:
1. Identify the Issue: Through monitoring work packages, checkpoint reports, and stage progress, the Project Manager identifies deviations or problems.
2. Assess the Impact: Evaluate how the deviation affects the stage plan and whether it falls within or outside tolerance levels.
3. Determine the Response: If within tolerance, the Project Manager can take corrective action using their delegated authority. If outside tolerance, an exception must be escalated to the Project Board.
4. Implement the Action: Execute the corrective measures, which may include adjusting plans, reallocating resources, or modifying work package instructions.
5. Monitor Results: Track whether the corrective action has been effective in addressing the deviation.
Key Points to Remember:
• The Project Manager has authority to take corrective action within stage tolerances • Actions outside tolerance require escalation to the Project Board • Corrective actions should be documented in the relevant logs and registers • The Daily Log may be used to record informal issues and actions taken • Work Package status and Checkpoint Reports help identify when corrective action is needed
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Take Corrective Action
1. Focus on Authority Levels: Remember that the Project Manager can only take corrective action within their delegated tolerances. Questions often test whether escalation is required.
2. Know the Triggers: Understand what prompts corrective action - deviations from plans, issues arising, risks materializing, or quality problems identified.
3. Distinguish from Exception: If a question mentions tolerances being breached, the answer likely involves escalation rather than the Project Manager taking corrective action alone.
4. Link to Management Products: Be aware that corrective actions may require updates to the Stage Plan, Issue Register, Risk Register, or Daily Log.
5. Process Context: Remember this activity belongs to Controlling a Stage, not Managing Product Delivery or Directing a Project.
6. Watch for Keywords: Exam questions containing phrases like "within tolerance,""Project Manager's response," or "deviation identified" often point toward corrective action answers.
7. Eliminate Wrong Answers: Options suggesting the Project Board takes corrective action are typically incorrect - this is a Project Manager responsibility.