The Executive is a critical role within the PRINCE2 7 framework, serving as the single point of accountability for the project. This individual is responsible for ensuring the project delivers value and remains aligned with business objectives throughout its lifecycle.
Key responsibilities of the …The Executive is a critical role within the PRINCE2 7 framework, serving as the single point of accountability for the project. This individual is responsible for ensuring the project delivers value and remains aligned with business objectives throughout its lifecycle.
Key responsibilities of the Executive include:
1. **Business Case Ownership**: The Executive owns the Business Case and is accountable for ensuring the project remains viable and continues to deliver expected benefits. They must regularly review and update the Business Case to reflect any changes in circumstances.
2. **Decision Making**: As the ultimate decision-maker within the Project Board, the Executive has the final say on key project decisions. They chair Project Board meetings and ensure timely decisions are made to keep the project progressing.
3. **Resource Commitment**: The Executive secures funding and resources for the project from the commissioning organization. They ensure adequate investment is available to achieve project objectives.
4. **Stakeholder Engagement**: They represent the projects interests at senior management level and communicate project progress to corporate or programme management. The Executive ensures appropriate stakeholder engagement occurs throughout the project.
5. **Project Manager Support**: The Executive provides guidance and support to the Project Manager, helping to resolve issues that fall outside the Project Managers authority or escalated concerns.
6. **Governance Oversight**: They ensure proper governance arrangements are in place and that the project follows agreed processes and standards.
The Executive role cannot be shared or delegated to multiple individuals - there must always be a single accountable person. This ensures clear ownership and prevents confusion about who makes final decisions. The Executive typically comes from the business side of the organization, as they represent the interests of those funding the project and expecting to realize its benefits.
Executive Role in PRINCE2 Foundation v7 - Complete Guide
Introduction to the Executive Role
The Executive is one of the most critical roles in the PRINCE2 project management framework. Understanding this role thoroughly is essential for passing your PRINCE2 Foundation v7 exam and for practical project management success.
Why is the Executive Role Important?
The Executive role is important for several key reasons:
• Single Point of Accountability: The Executive is the single individual responsible for the project's success. This prevents confusion about who has ultimate decision-making authority.
• Business Case Ownership: The Executive owns the Business Case throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring the project remains viable and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Investment Protection: As the representative of business interests, the Executive ensures that the organization's investment in the project delivers expected value.
• Decision Making: The Executive provides timely decisions at the Project Board level, preventing delays and maintaining project momentum.
What is the Executive Role?
The Executive is a mandatory role within the Project Board that represents the business interests of the project. Key characteristics include:
• The Executive must be appointed before the project starts • There can only be one Executive per project - this role cannot be shared • The Executive chairs the Project Board • The role is typically filled by someone from the commissioning organization • The Executive is accountable to corporate, programme management, or the customer
How Does the Executive Role Work?
The Executive performs specific responsibilities throughout the project:
Before the Project: • Appointed by corporate, programme management, or the customer • Designs and appoints the Project Board and Project Manager • Ensures the project has a viable Business Case
During Initiation: • Secures funding for the project • Approves the Project Initiation Documentation • Sets tolerances for the project
During Delivery: • Chairs Project Board meetings • Makes decisions on exception situations • Ensures continued business justification • Approves End Stage Reports and authorizes subsequent stages
At Project Closure: • Confirms project closure • Approves the End Project Report • Ensures benefits reviews are planned
Key Relationships
The Executive works closely with:
• Senior User: Represents user interests and specifies needs • Senior Supplier: Represents supplier interests and provides resources • Project Manager: Manages the project day-to-day on behalf of the Project Board
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Executive Role
Remember These Essential Facts:
1. Always ONE Executive: If a question suggests sharing the Executive role or having multiple Executives, this is incorrect.
2. Business Case Owner: Questions about who owns or is accountable for the Business Case - the answer is always the Executive.
3. First Appointed: The Executive is appointed before other Project Board members and the Project Manager.
4. Cannot Delegate Accountability: While the Executive can delegate tasks, accountability for the project remains with them.
5. Chairs the Project Board: The Executive always chairs Project Board meetings, not the Project Manager or other board members.
Common Exam Question Patterns:
• Questions asking who is accountable for project success - answer is Executive • Questions about Business Case ownership - answer is Executive • Questions about who appoints the Project Manager - answer is Executive • Questions about chairing the Project Board - answer is Executive • Questions about ensuring value for money - answer is Executive
Watch Out For:
• Distractors mentioning the Project Manager as accountable for overall project success • Options suggesting the Senior User owns the Business Case • Answers implying multiple people can share the Executive role • Confusion between the Executive role and corporate or programme management
Summary
The Executive is the cornerstone of project governance in PRINCE2. Remember: single point of accountability, Business Case owner, chairs the Project Board, and is appointed first. Master these concepts and you will confidently answer any exam question about this essential role.