In PRINCE2 7, the Project Team represents the organizational structure responsible for delivering project products and achieving project objectives. This team operates within the Organizing practice, which establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels throughout the project …In PRINCE2 7, the Project Team represents the organizational structure responsible for delivering project products and achieving project objectives. This team operates within the Organizing practice, which establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels throughout the project lifecycle.
The Project Team structure in PRINCE2 7 consists of three primary levels. At the top sits the Project Board, which provides strategic direction and makes key decisions. This board includes the Executive (who owns the business case), Senior User (representing user interests), and Senior Supplier (representing those providing resources and expertise).
The Project Manager occupies the central position, responsible for day-to-day management, planning, monitoring progress, and reporting to the Project Board. They ensure the project remains viable and delivers expected benefits while managing risks and issues effectively.
Team Managers work under the Project Manager's guidance, overseeing specific work packages and managing team members who create project deliverables. In smaller projects, the Project Manager may fulfill this role themselves.
Project Assurance provides independent oversight, ensuring the project adheres to standards and meets stakeholder requirements. Each Project Board member may delegate assurance responsibilities to qualified individuals.
Project Support assists with administrative tasks, maintaining project documentation, configuration management, and providing tools and guidance to the team.
PRINCE2 7 emphasizes flexibility in team structures, allowing organizations to adapt roles based on project size, complexity, and context. Smaller projects might combine roles, while larger initiatives require more elaborate structures.
Effective project teams demonstrate clear accountability, defined responsibilities, and appropriate authority levels. Communication flows must be established to ensure information reaches decision-makers promptly. The organizational structure should also consider stakeholder engagement, ensuring relevant parties remain informed and involved throughout the project journey.
Project Team - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Complete Guide
Why is Project Team Important?
The Project Team is fundamental to PRINCE2 because it establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability for everyone involved in delivering a project. A well-structured team ensures that decisions are made at appropriate levels, communication flows effectively, and the project has the right expertise to succeed. Poor team organization leads to confusion, delays, and project failure.
What is the Project Team?
The Project Team in PRINCE2 refers to the organizational structure that brings together the right people to manage and deliver a project. It encompasses three main levels:
1. Directing Level (Project Board) - Executive: The single point of accountability for the project, representing business interests and owning the Business Case - Senior User: Represents user interests, specifies needs, and confirms that deliverables meet requirements - Senior Supplier: Represents supplier interests and provides resources and expertise
2. Managing Level - Project Manager: Day-to-day management of the project within constraints set by the Project Board - Project Assurance: Independent oversight ensuring the project remains viable (can be delegated by Board members) - Change Authority: May be delegated authority to approve certain changes
3. Delivering Level - Team Manager: Manages the team creating products and reports to the Project Manager - Project Support: Provides administrative support to the Project Manager
How Does the Project Team Work?
The team operates through a hierarchy of authority and communication:
1. The Project Board makes key decisions, approves stage boundaries, and provides direction 2. The Project Manager plans and monitors daily work, escalates issues, and reports progress 3. Team Managers accept Work Packages and deliver products to specification 4. Project Assurance monitors on behalf of Board members throughout the project 5. Project Support handles administration, tools, and documentation
The structure enables management by exception - each level only escalates to the level above when tolerances are forecast to be exceeded.
Key Principles of the Project Team
- Defined roles and responsibilities: Everyone knows what they are accountable for - Three project interests must be represented: Business, User, and Supplier - Roles can be combined or shared: But certain combinations are not permitted (e.g., Executive and Project Manager) - The Executive role cannot be shared: There must be one single accountable person
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Project Team
Focus on these key facts:
1. The Executive is always the single point of accountability - if a question asks who is ultimately responsible for the project, the answer is the Executive
2. Know who owns what: - Executive owns the Business Case - Senior User specifies requirements and confirms acceptance - Senior Supplier provides resources and technical expertise - Project Manager handles day-to-day management
3. Remember role restrictions: - Executive role cannot be shared between people - Executive and Project Manager cannot be the same person - Project Assurance cannot be combined with Project Manager
4. Understand delegation: - Project Assurance can be delegated by Board members - Change Authority can be delegated by the Board - Team Manager role may be performed by the Project Manager in smaller projects
5. Three interests question pattern: When asked about stakeholder representation, remember Business, User, and Supplier must all be covered
6. Watch for trick questions: Questions may suggest the Project Manager approves the Business Case - this is incorrect; the Project Board (specifically the Executive) owns it
7. Project Support is optional: Unlike other roles, this can be omitted or provided externally
Common exam question themes: - Who is accountable for project success? - Which role owns the Business Case? - What are valid role combinations? - Who can delegate Project Assurance?