Role descriptions in PRINCE2 are fundamental components of the Organizing practice that define the responsibilities, authorities, and relationships for individuals involved in a project. They provide clarity on what each person is expected to deliver and how they interact with other team members.
…Role descriptions in PRINCE2 are fundamental components of the Organizing practice that define the responsibilities, authorities, and relationships for individuals involved in a project. They provide clarity on what each person is expected to deliver and how they interact with other team members.
In PRINCE2 7, role descriptions serve several critical purposes. First, they establish accountability by clearly stating who is responsible for specific aspects of the project. This prevents confusion and ensures that all necessary work has an assigned owner. Second, they define the authority level each role possesses, helping team members understand their decision-making boundaries.
The key roles defined in PRINCE2 include the Project Board, which comprises the Executive, Senior User, and Senior Supplier. The Executive is ultimately accountable for the project and owns the business case. The Senior User represents those who will use the project outputs and is responsible for specifying user requirements. The Senior Supplier represents those providing resources and expertise to create project deliverables.
The Project Manager is responsible for day-to-day management of the project within constraints set by the Project Board. The Team Manager manages team members producing project products, while Team Members execute the actual work. Project Assurance provides independent oversight on behalf of Project Board members, and Project Support offers administrative assistance to the Project Manager.
Role descriptions typically include the role title, reporting relationships, responsibilities, competencies required, and any specific authorities granted. PRINCE2 allows roles to be combined or shared depending on project size and complexity, providing flexibility while maintaining clear accountability.
Effective role descriptions enable proper governance, facilitate communication, and ensure that stakeholder interests are represented throughout the project lifecycle. They form the foundation of the project management team structure and support successful project delivery through clear organizational arrangements.
Role Descriptions in PRINCE2 - Complete Study Guide
Why Role Descriptions are Important in PRINCE2
Role descriptions form the foundation of accountability and responsibility within a PRINCE2 project. They ensure that every team member understands their specific duties, decision-making authority, and reporting relationships. Clear role definitions prevent confusion, reduce conflicts, and enable effective governance throughout the project lifecycle.
What are Role Descriptions in PRINCE2?
Role descriptions in PRINCE2 define the responsibilities, competencies, and relationships for each role within the project management team structure. PRINCE2 v7 identifies several key roles:
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 outputs meet requirements - Senior Supplier: Represents supplier interests and provides resources and expertise
Project Management: - Project Manager: Day-to-day management of the project on behalf of the Project Board - Team Manager: Manages team members and delivers products assigned by the Project Manager
Support and Assurance: - Project Assurance: Monitors project performance on behalf of the Project Board - Project Support: Provides administrative assistance to the Project Manager - Change Authority: May be delegated authority to approve certain changes
How Role Descriptions Work in Practice
Role descriptions are documented during the initiating a project process and refined throughout the project. Each role description typically includes:
1. Responsibilities: Specific tasks and duties the role holder must perform 2. Authority levels: Decision-making powers and limits 3. Competencies required: Skills and knowledge needed 4. Reporting relationships: Who the role reports to and receives reports from
Roles can be shared or combined depending on project size and complexity. For example, in smaller projects, the Project Manager might also perform Project Support duties.
Key Principles for Role Descriptions
- The Executive role must always be assigned to a single individual - Project Board members can delegate assurance responsibilities but remain accountable - Roles are separate from job titles - one person may hold multiple roles - All three Project Board interests (business, user, supplier) must be represented
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Role Descriptions in PRINCE2
Tip 1: Remember the Executive is Singular The Executive is always one person with ultimate accountability. If a question suggests multiple Executives, this is incorrect.
Tip 2: Distinguish Between Accountability and Responsibility Project Board members are accountable for success but delegate day-to-day responsibility to the Project Manager.
Tip 3: Know Who Owns the Business Case The Executive owns the Business Case - this is frequently tested. The Project Manager maintains it, but ownership belongs to the Executive.
Tip 4: Understand Delegation Limits Project Assurance can be delegated by Project Board members, but they cannot delegate their accountability.
Tip 5: Focus on User and Supplier Distinctions Senior User focuses on requirements and benefits realization. Senior Supplier focuses on providing resources and technical expertise.
Tip 6: Remember Role Combinations Questions often test whether roles can be combined. The Executive cannot also be the Project Manager, but Senior User and Senior Supplier roles may be combined with Executive in certain circumstances.
Tip 7: Look for Accountability Keywords When exam questions ask who is accountable for overall project success, the answer involves the Project Board, with the Executive as the key figure.