The Project Support Role in PRINCE2 7 is a crucial function within the Organizing practice that provides administrative and technical assistance to the project management team. This role helps ensure smooth project operations by handling various support activities that enable the Project Manager an…The Project Support Role in PRINCE2 7 is a crucial function within the Organizing practice that provides administrative and technical assistance to the project management team. This role helps ensure smooth project operations by handling various support activities that enable the Project Manager and team members to focus on their core responsibilities.
Project Support can be provided by an individual, a group of people, or even a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO). The scope and formality of this role varies depending on the project's size, complexity, and organizational requirements.
Key responsibilities of Project Support include:
1. Administrative Support: Managing project documentation, maintaining registers and logs, scheduling meetings, and handling correspondence. This ensures all project records are properly organized and accessible.
2. Guidance and Advice: Providing expertise on project management tools, techniques, and standards. Project Support helps team members understand and apply PRINCE2 processes correctly.
3. Configuration Management: Assisting with version control of project products and documentation, ensuring that baselines are maintained and changes are properly tracked.
4. Planning and Control Support: Helping with the creation and maintenance of project plans, collecting actual progress data, and assisting with reporting activities.
5. Quality Support: Assisting with quality reviews, maintaining quality records, and supporting assurance activities as required.
6. Specialist Tool Administration: Managing project management software, collaboration platforms, and other technical tools used by the project team.
The Project Support role reports to the Project Manager and works closely with all team members. While this role does not have decision-making authority regarding project direction, it plays a vital enabling function that contributes significantly to project efficiency.
Organizations may tailor the Project Support function based on project needs, available resources, and existing support structures within the organization.
Project Support Role in PRINCE2 Foundation v7
Why is the Project Support Role Important?
The Project Support role is essential in PRINCE2 because it provides administrative assistance to the Project Manager and the project team. This role helps ensure that project management processes run smoothly, documentation is maintained accurately, and the Project Manager can focus on strategic decisions rather than administrative tasks. In larger projects, having dedicated project support can significantly improve efficiency and reduce the burden on the Project Manager.
What is the Project Support Role?
Project Support is a role within the PRINCE2 framework that provides administrative services to the project. Unlike the Project Manager or Team Manager, Project Support is not a mandatory role but is highly recommended for projects with significant administrative requirements.
Key characteristics of Project Support include: - It can be provided by an individual, a group, or even a Project Management Office (PMO) - The role reports to and assists the Project Manager - It is appointed by the Project Manager with approval from the Executive - The role may be shared across multiple projects
How Does Project Support Work?
Project Support performs various functions to assist the project team:
Administrative Functions: - Setting up and maintaining project files - Establishing document control procedures - Compiling, copying, and distributing project management products - Collecting actuals data and updating plans
Advisory Functions: - Providing guidance on project management tools and techniques - Offering administrative advice to the Project Manager - Assisting with scheduling and planning activities
Configuration Management: - Maintaining configuration records - Assisting with version control of products - Supporting change control procedures
Key Responsibilities: - Maintaining quality and configuration management records - Assisting with the compilation of reports - Administering project controls - Maintaining the Issue Register and Risk Register - Supporting communication activities
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Project Support Role
1. Remember the reporting line: Project Support reports to the Project Manager, not the Project Board.
2. Know it is optional: Questions may test whether you understand that Project Support is not a mandatory role in PRINCE2.
3. Understand the distinction: Project Support provides administrative assistance, not decision-making authority. They do not have the authority to approve changes or make project decisions.
4. PMO connection: Be aware that a PMO can fulfill the Project Support function across multiple projects.
5. Appointment authority: The Project Manager appoints Project Support with the Executive's approval during the Initiating a Project process.
6. Configuration management link: Many questions link Project Support to configuration management activities. Remember this connection.
7. Common exam traps: - Project Support does not manage work packages - that is the Team Manager's responsibility - Project Support does not authorize stages - that is the Project Board's responsibility - Project Support is not responsible for project assurance activities
8. Focus on administrative nature: When selecting answers, choose options that emphasize support, assistance, and administration rather than management or authorization activities.