The Issue Management Approach in PRINCE2 7 is a fundamental component of the Issues practice that defines how issues will be handled throughout a project's lifecycle. This approach establishes the procedures, responsibilities, and techniques for identifying, assessing, and resolving issues that ari…The Issue Management Approach in PRINCE2 7 is a fundamental component of the Issues practice that defines how issues will be handled throughout a project's lifecycle. This approach establishes the procedures, responsibilities, and techniques for identifying, assessing, and resolving issues that arise during project execution.\n\nAn issue in PRINCE2 is defined as a relevant event that was not planned and requires management action. Issues can be categorized into three types: a request for change (proposal to modify a baseline), an off-specification (something that should be provided but is not meeting requirements), and a problem or concern (any other issue requiring attention).\n\nThe Issue Management Approach typically documents several key elements. First, it outlines the procedure for capturing and logging issues in the Issue Register, ensuring all issues are formally recorded with relevant details such as date raised, author, description, and priority. Second, it defines the assessment criteria and methods for evaluating the severity and impact of each issue on project objectives.\n\nThird, the approach specifies escalation paths and decision-making authorities. Some issues can be resolved at the Project Manager level, while others may need escalation to the Project Board or corporate management depending on their impact on tolerances and project boundaries.\n\nFourth, it establishes timescales for issue handling, ensuring issues are addressed within appropriate timeframes based on their urgency and priority. The approach also defines how issues relate to other PRINCE2 practices, particularly Risk and Change Control.\n\nThe Project Manager is responsible for maintaining the Issue Register and implementing the Issue Management Approach. Regular issue reviews ensure that outstanding matters are progressed and closed when resolved. Effective issue management contributes to project success by ensuring problems are addressed systematically rather than being overlooked or handled inconsistently across the project team.
Issue Management Approach - Complete Guide for PRINCE2 Foundation V7
What is the Issue Management Approach?
The Issue Management Approach is a key document within PRINCE2 that defines how issues will be handled throughout the project. It is part of the project initiation documentation and establishes the procedures, techniques, and responsibilities for managing all types of issues that may arise during the project lifecycle.
Why is the Issue Management Approach Important?
Issues are inevitable in any project. They can include problems, concerns, changes, or off-specifications that need attention. Having a structured approach ensures that:
• Issues are captured consistently and nothing falls through the cracks • There is a clear escalation path when issues cannot be resolved at a particular level • Resources are allocated appropriately to address issues • The project maintains control and avoids chaos when problems arise • Stakeholders know how to raise concerns and what to expect • Decision-making is transparent and documented
What Does the Issue Management Approach Contain?
The Issue Management Approach typically includes:
Issue Categories: Defines the types of issues (requests for change, off-specifications, problems/concerns)
Procedures: How issues are captured, examined, proposed, decided upon, and implemented
Responsibilities: Who can raise issues, who assesses them, and who has authority to make decisions
Escalation Routes: When and how issues are escalated to higher authority levels
Tools and Techniques: What registers, logs, or software will be used to track issues
Timing: How often issues will be reviewed and reported
How Does Issue Management Work in Practice?
The issue management process follows these steps:
1. Capture: Any stakeholder can raise an issue, which is logged in the Issue Register
2. Examine: The Project Manager assesses the impact on time, cost, quality, scope, benefits, and risk
3. Propose: Options are developed for resolving the issue
4. Decide: The appropriate authority makes a decision based on tolerances
5. Implement: The chosen option is actioned and tracked to completion
Key Relationships
The Issue Management Approach works alongside: • The Issue Register (where issues are logged) • The Change Management Approach (for handling changes specifically) • Exception Reports (when issues breach tolerances) • The Project Board (for decisions beyond Project Manager authority)
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Issue Management Approach
Tip 1: Remember that the Issue Management Approach is created during the Initiation Stage as part of the Project Initiation Documentation (PID).
Tip 2: Know the three types of issues: requests for change, off-specifications, and problems/concerns. Exam questions often test whether you can categorize an issue correctly.
Tip 3: Understand that the Project Manager manages the day-to-day handling of issues, but the Project Board makes decisions on issues that exceed tolerances.
Tip 4: The Issue Register is where issues are recorded - do not confuse this with the Issue Management Approach, which describes how issues will be managed.
Tip 5: When questions ask about escalation, remember that issues are escalated when they exceed the Project Manager's delegated tolerances.
Tip 6: Be aware that the Issue Management Approach can be tailored to suit the project's complexity and environment - simpler projects may have simpler approaches.
Tip 7: Look for keywords in questions such as 'procedures,' 'how issues are handled,' or 'escalation process' - these typically point to the Issue Management Approach as the answer.
Tip 8: Remember that all projects need some form of issue management - it is not optional, though the level of formality may vary.