Accept Work Package is a key activity within the Managing Product Delivery process in PRINCE2 7. This activity occurs when a Team Manager receives a Work Package from the Project Manager and formally agrees to undertake the work described within it.
When accepting a Work Package, the Team Manager …Accept Work Package is a key activity within the Managing Product Delivery process in PRINCE2 7. This activity occurs when a Team Manager receives a Work Package from the Project Manager and formally agrees to undertake the work described within it.
When accepting a Work Package, the Team Manager must carefully review and understand several critical elements. First, they need to examine the product descriptions to ensure clarity about what needs to be delivered and the quality criteria that must be met. Second, they must assess whether the allocated resources, time, and budget are sufficient to complete the required work.
The Team Manager should verify that they have the necessary skills, tools, and authority to deliver the products specified in the Work Package. They must also understand the constraints, tolerances, and any specific techniques or standards that need to be applied during product development.
Before formal acceptance, the Team Manager should confirm agreement on reporting arrangements, including how progress will be communicated and how issues or risks will be escalated to the Project Manager. The approval process for completed products and any dependencies on other Work Packages or external factors should also be clearly understood.
If the Team Manager identifies any concerns or believes the Work Package cannot be delivered as specified, they should negotiate with the Project Manager before acceptance. This might involve adjusting timescales, resources, or scope to ensure realistic commitments are made.
Once satisfied that the Work Package is achievable, the Team Manager formally accepts it, taking responsibility for delivering the specified products to the required quality standards within the agreed constraints. This acceptance creates a clear commitment and establishes accountability between the Project Manager and Team Manager, forming the foundation for effective product delivery throughout the stage.
Accept Work Package - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Complete Guide
Introduction to Accept Work Package
Accept Work Package is a critical activity within the Managing Product Delivery process in PRINCE2. It represents the formal handover of work from the Project Manager to the Team Manager, establishing clear accountability and ensuring that work is properly understood before execution begins.
Why Accept Work Package is Important
Understanding the significance of Accept Work Package is essential for exam success:
1. Establishes Clear Accountability When a Team Manager accepts a Work Package, they take responsibility for delivering the specified products. This creates a clear chain of accountability within the project structure.
2. Ensures Understanding The acceptance process verifies that the Team Manager fully comprehends what needs to be delivered, the quality requirements, constraints, and reporting arrangements.
3. Confirms Feasibility Before accepting, the Team Manager must assess whether the work can realistically be completed within the given constraints of time, cost, and resources.
4. Supports Controlled Delegation This activity embodies PRINCE2's principle of managing by stages and enables the Project Manager to delegate work while maintaining appropriate control.
What is Accept Work Package?
Accept Work Package is the activity where the Team Manager reviews and formally agrees to take on a Work Package that has been authorized by the Project Manager. The Work Package contains:
• Product Description(s) for the products to be created • Development interfaces and constraints • Joint agreements on effort, cost, and timescales • Reporting arrangements including checkpoint frequency • Quality management requirements • Approval methods for completed products • Problem handling and escalation procedures
How Accept Work Package Works
Step 1: Receive the Work Package The Team Manager receives the Work Package from the Project Manager, which has been created during the Controlling a Stage process.
Step 2: Review the Contents The Team Manager carefully examines all elements of the Work Package to ensure completeness and clarity. This includes understanding the product descriptions, quality criteria, and constraints.
Step 3: Assess Feasibility The Team Manager evaluates whether the work can be delivered within the specified parameters. This may involve consulting with team members or specialists.
Step 4: Negotiate if Necessary If the Team Manager identifies issues with the Work Package, negotiations with the Project Manager may be required to adjust constraints, timelines, or resources.
Step 5: Create or Update Team Plan Once satisfied, the Team Manager develops a Team Plan (if required) showing how the Work Package will be executed.
Step 6: Formally Accept The Team Manager confirms acceptance, agreeing to deliver the products according to the specified requirements and reporting arrangements.
Key Inputs and Outputs
Inputs: • Work Package (from Project Manager) • Project Plan (for context) • Stage Plan (for context)
Outputs: • Team Plan (if required by the Work Package) • Agreed Work Package
The Relationship Between Accept Work Package and Other Activities
Accept Work Package connects to other PRINCE2 processes:
• Controlling a Stage: The Project Manager authorizes Work Packages here • Execute Work Package: Follows acceptance, where actual product creation occurs • Deliver Work Package: The conclusion of the cycle when products are handed back
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Accept Work Package
Tip 1: Remember the Sequence Questions often test your understanding of the order: Accept comes BEFORE Execute, and both come BEFORE Deliver. The sequence is Accept → Execute → Deliver.
Tip 2: Focus on the Team Manager Role Accept Work Package is performed by the Team Manager, not the Project Manager. The Project Manager authorizes; the Team Manager accepts.
Tip 3: Know What Gets Reviewed Exam questions may ask what the Team Manager should check before acceptance. Remember: product descriptions, quality requirements, constraints, reporting arrangements, and interfaces.
Tip 4: Understand the Team Plan The Team Plan is created during Accept Work Package, not during Execute Work Package. This is a common exam trap.
Tip 5: Recognize the Two-Way Agreement Acceptance represents a mutual agreement between Project Manager and Team Manager. It is not a one-sided instruction.
Tip 6: Link to PRINCE2 Themes Questions may connect Accept Work Package to themes like Quality (checking quality requirements) or Plans (creating Team Plans). Be prepared to make these connections.
Tip 7: Watch for Scenario Questions When given a scenario about a Team Manager receiving work, identify whether the question is asking about acceptance criteria, negotiation, or planning activities.
Common Exam Question Types
1. Questions asking which process Accept Work Package belongs to (Answer: Managing Product Delivery)
2. Questions about who performs Accept Work Package (Answer: Team Manager)
3. Questions about what is produced during Accept Work Package (Answer: Team Plan, if required)
4. Questions about the sequence of activities within Managing Product Delivery
5. Scenario-based questions about what a Team Manager should do when receiving a Work Package
Summary
Accept Work Package is the gateway activity that enables controlled delegation of work from the Project Manager to the Team Manager. Understanding this activity demonstrates your grasp of PRINCE2's layered management approach and the importance of clear communication and agreement before work begins. In your exam, focus on the Team Manager's responsibilities, the contents of the Work Package, and the sequential nature of the Managing Product Delivery activities.