Project Assurance is a critical role within the PRINCE2 7 Organizing Practice that ensures the project remains viable and is being conducted properly throughout its lifecycle. This role serves the interests of the three primary stakeholder categories: business, user, and supplier perspectives.
The…Project Assurance is a critical role within the PRINCE2 7 Organizing Practice that ensures the project remains viable and is being conducted properly throughout its lifecycle. This role serves the interests of the three primary stakeholder categories: business, user, and supplier perspectives.
The Project Board holds ultimate responsibility for project assurance but can delegate these functions to separate individuals when board members lack the time or expertise to perform them personally. However, accountability always remains with the Project Board and cannot be delegated.
From the business perspective, Project Assurance monitors whether the Business Case remains valid and aligned with corporate objectives. It ensures that value for money is being achieved and that financial controls are operating effectively.
The user assurance function focuses on verifying that user requirements are being accurately specified and that the solution will meet the needs of those who will operate and benefit from the project outputs. This includes monitoring quality activities from the user viewpoint.
Supplier assurance ensures that products are designed and developed correctly, conform to relevant standards, and meet quality expectations. It verifies that supplier resources are being used appropriately and that technical aspects are properly addressed.
Key responsibilities of Project Assurance include reviewing Business Case alignment, monitoring stakeholder engagement, checking that project controls are being followed, ensuring proper change control procedures, verifying that quality reviews are conducted appropriately, and confirming that risks are being managed effectively.
Project Assurance personnel must remain independent from the Project Manager to provide objective oversight. They support the Project Board by providing confidence that the project is being managed correctly, allowing board members to focus on strategic direction rather than day-to-day monitoring activities. This separation of duties strengthens governance and helps identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems.
Project Assurance Role in PRINCE2 7th Edition
Why is Project Assurance Important?
Project Assurance is a critical function in PRINCE2 that provides independent oversight of project performance. It ensures that the project remains viable, is being conducted properly, and stays aligned with business objectives. This role gives the Project Board confidence that the project is progressing as expected, even when board members cannot be involved in day-to-day activities.
What is Project Assurance?
Project Assurance is the responsibility of the Project Board to ensure the project remains on track and delivers value. It covers three key interests:
1. Business Assurance - Ensures the project remains viable and aligned with business objectives. This is the responsibility of the Executive.
2. User Assurance - Ensures user requirements are being met and the solution will be fit for purpose. This is the responsibility of the Senior User.
3. Supplier Assurance - Ensures the project uses appropriate methods, standards, and resources. This is the responsibility of the Senior Supplier.
How Does Project Assurance Work?
Project Board members can either perform Project Assurance themselves or delegate it to separate individuals. Key points include:
- Project Assurance cannot be delegated to the Project Manager - Assurance activities occur throughout the project lifecycle - Assurance personnel have access to all project information - They can attend Team Manager and supplier meetings - They verify that business case assumptions remain valid - They check that risks and issues are being managed appropriately - They ensure quality standards are being followed
Key Activities of Project Assurance:
- Reviewing stage and exception plans - Monitoring progress and expenditure - Checking adherence to standards and processes - Verifying user needs are being addressed - Ensuring supplier commitments are realistic - Confirming the business case remains justified
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Project Assurance Role
Tip 1: Remember that Project Assurance is the Project Board's responsibility, not the Project Manager's. Any question suggesting the Project Manager performs this role is incorrect.
Tip 2: Know the three perspectives - Business, User, and Supplier assurance map to Executive, Senior User, and Senior Supplier respectively.
Tip 3: Project Assurance is independent from the Project Manager. Look for answers that emphasize this separation.
Tip 4: Do not confuse Project Assurance with Quality Assurance. Project Assurance covers all aspects of the project, not just quality.
Tip 5: If asked who can perform delegated Project Assurance, remember it must be someone other than the Project Manager and should be independent of the project team.
Tip 6: Project Assurance personnel can provide advice to the Project Manager but do not have decision-making authority - that remains with the Project Board.
Tip 7: When questions mention checking business case validity or ensuring user requirements are met, think Project Assurance.
Tip 8: Assurance is ongoing throughout the project, not just at stage boundaries. Look for answers that reflect continuous monitoring.