The Issue Register is a fundamental management product within PRINCE2 7 that serves as the central repository for capturing, tracking, and managing all formal issues raised throughout a project's lifecycle. It functions as a comprehensive log that ensures no concern or problem goes unaddressed duri…The Issue Register is a fundamental management product within PRINCE2 7 that serves as the central repository for capturing, tracking, and managing all formal issues raised throughout a project's lifecycle. It functions as a comprehensive log that ensures no concern or problem goes unaddressed during project execution.
The Issue Register captures three main types of issues: requests for change (proposals to modify project baselines), off-specifications (situations where a product does not meet its agreed specification), and problems or concerns (any other matters requiring management attention). Each entry in the register receives a unique identifier for tracking purposes.
Key information recorded in the Issue Register includes the issue type, date raised, author, priority, severity, current status, and closure date. The register also documents the issue description, impact analysis, recommended actions, and the decision made regarding resolution. This structured approach ensures consistent handling of all issues across the project.
The Project Manager maintains responsibility for the Issue Register, regularly reviewing entries and escalating matters to the Project Board when issues exceed their delegated authority. The register supports effective communication between team members and stakeholders by providing a transparent view of ongoing concerns and their resolution progress.
During stage boundaries and project closure, the Issue Register is reviewed to ensure all matters have been appropriately addressed or transferred to operational teams for ongoing management. Open issues may influence decisions about project continuation or require inclusion in the lessons learned documentation.
The Issue Register integrates with other PRINCE2 management products, particularly the Risk Register when issues have risk implications, and the Configuration Management system when changes affect product baselines. This integration ensures comprehensive project control and supports informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Effective use of the Issue Register contributes to successful project delivery by maintaining visibility and control over matters requiring attention.
Issue Register - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Complete Guide
What is an Issue Register?
The Issue Register is a management product used to capture and maintain information on all formal issues being managed within a project. It serves as a central repository that records every issue raised during the project lifecycle, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Why is the Issue Register Important?
The Issue Register is crucial for several reasons:
• Traceability: It provides a complete audit trail of all issues, their status, and how they were resolved • Decision Support: It helps the Project Manager and Project Board make informed decisions about issue handling • Communication: It ensures all stakeholders are aware of current issues and their progress • Control: It enables effective monitoring and management of issues that could impact project success • Lessons Learned: It contributes to organizational learning by documenting how issues were addressed
What Does the Issue Register Contain?
Typical contents of an Issue Register include:
• Issue identifier - A unique reference number • Issue type - Request for change, off-specification, or problem/concern • Date raised - When the issue was logged • Raised by - Who identified the issue • Issue description - Details of the issue • Priority - How urgent the issue is • Severity - The impact level • Status - Current state of the issue • Closure date - When the issue was resolved
How Does the Issue Register Work?
The Issue Register operates as part of the Issues procedure:
1. Capture: When an issue is identified, it is formally recorded in the Issue Register 2. Examine: The issue is analyzed to understand its impact and options for resolution 3. Propose: Recommendations are developed for addressing the issue 4. Decide: The appropriate authority decides on the course of action 5. Implement: The agreed action is carried out 6. Update: The Issue Register is updated with progress and final resolution
The Project Manager is responsible for maintaining the Issue Register throughout the project.
Types of Issues Recorded
Three types of issues are captured:
• Request for Change: A proposal to modify a baseline product • Off-Specification: Something that should be provided but currently is not, or is forecast not to be • Problem/Concern: Any other issue requiring resolution
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Issue Register
Key Points to Remember:
• The Issue Register is created during the Initiating a Project process and maintained until project closure • The Project Manager is responsible for the Issue Register • All three issue types are recorded in the same Issue Register • The Issue Register is different from the Issue Report - the register is a summary list, while reports provide detailed analysis • Issues requiring Project Board decisions may need an Exception Report
Common Exam Question Themes:
• Identifying which management product is used to track issues • Understanding who maintains the Issue Register • Recognizing the three types of issues • Knowing when the Issue Register is created • Distinguishing between Issue Register and Issue Report
Answering Strategy:
• When asked about tracking or monitoring issues, the Issue Register is typically the answer • If a question mentions capturing or logging issues, think Issue Register • Remember the Issue Register provides a summary view, while Issue Reports provide detailed analysis for significant issues • Watch for questions that test your understanding of who is responsible - it is always the Project Manager