Exception in Progress is a critical concept within PRINCE2 7 that relates to how projects handle situations where tolerances are forecast to be exceeded. In PRINCE2, tolerances are the permissible deviation from planned targets for time, cost, scope, quality, benefits, and risk. When a Work Package…Exception in Progress is a critical concept within PRINCE2 7 that relates to how projects handle situations where tolerances are forecast to be exceeded. In PRINCE2, tolerances are the permissible deviation from planned targets for time, cost, scope, quality, benefits, and risk. When a Work Package or Stage is predicted to exceed its agreed tolerances, an exception situation occurs.
The Exception in Progress mechanism ensures that appropriate management levels are informed and can make decisions about how to proceed. This maintains the management by exception principle, which is fundamental to PRINCE2's approach to governance.
When an exception is identified, the Team Manager or Project Manager must escalate the issue to the next management level. For a Work Package exception, the Team Manager reports to the Project Manager. For a Stage exception, the Project Manager escalates to the Project Board through an Exception Report.
The Exception Report describes the exception situation, explains its cause, presents the consequences, and outlines available options with recommendations. The Project Board then decides whether to grant additional tolerance, request an Exception Plan, or potentially close the project prematurely.
An Exception Plan replaces the remaining portion of the current Stage Plan or Project Plan, providing a new baseline from the current point forward. This plan must be approved before work continues.
The Progress Practice in PRINCE2 7 emphasizes continuous monitoring and control throughout the project lifecycle. Regular progress reporting through Checkpoint Reports and Highlight Reports helps identify potential exceptions early, allowing proactive management rather than reactive responses.
Effective exception handling maintains project control while providing flexibility to address unforeseen circumstances. It ensures that decisions about significant deviations are made at the appropriate management level, supporting good governance and accountability throughout the project.
Exception in Progress - Complete Guide for PRINCE2 Foundation V7
An Exception in the context of Progress is a critical concept in PRINCE2 that every practitioner must understand thoroughly. This guide will help you master this topic for your exam.
What is an Exception?
An exception occurs when a forecast indicates that the agreed tolerances for time, cost, scope, quality, benefits, or risk will be exceeded or are already exceeded. In PRINCE2, tolerances are the permissible deviation from a plan that is allowed before escalation is required.
When a stage or project is forecast to go beyond its set tolerances, this triggers an exception situation that must be escalated to the appropriate management level.
Why is Exception Important?
Understanding exceptions is vital because:
• It ensures management by exception operates effectively • It protects the business case by flagging potential issues early • It enables appropriate decision-making at the right level • It maintains control over the project while allowing flexibility • It prevents surprises by ensuring stakeholders are informed of significant deviations
How Does Exception Work in Practice?
The exception process follows a clear sequence:
1. Detection: The Project Manager monitors progress and identifies that tolerances will be breached.
2. Raising an Exception Report: The Project Manager creates an exception report that describes the deviation, its cause, options for recovery, and a recommendation.
3. Escalation: The exception report is submitted to the Project Board for decision.
4. Project Board Response: The Board may request an Exception Plan to replace the current Stage Plan, or they may take other action such as stopping the project.
5. Exception Plan: If requested, the Project Manager creates a new plan to complete the remaining work within revised tolerances.
Key Documents Related to Exception
• Exception Report: Describes the exception and provides options and recommendations • Exception Plan: Replaces the current stage plan with revised targets and tolerances
Tolerance Levels and Escalation
PRINCE2 operates with delegated tolerances at each level:
• Corporate/Programme sets project tolerances for the Project Board • Project Board sets stage tolerances for the Project Manager • Project Manager sets work package tolerances for Team Managers
When tolerances are forecast to be exceeded, escalation must occur to the level above.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Exception in Progress
Tip 1: Remember that exceptions are about forecast breaches, not just actual breaches. Early warning is key.
Tip 2: Know the difference between an Exception Report and an Exception Plan. The report comes first and describes the problem; the plan comes later if the Board requests it.
Tip 3: Understand that only the Project Board can approve an Exception Plan. The Project Manager creates it but cannot authorize it.
Tip 4: Be clear that exceptions relate to tolerances, not just any problem or issue.
Tip 5: Questions often test whether you know the correct escalation path. Team Manager escalates to Project Manager; Project Manager escalates to Project Board.
Tip 6: An Exception Plan replaces the Stage Plan for the remainder of the stage, not the entire Project Plan.
Tip 7: Watch for questions that confuse issues, risks, and exceptions. An exception specifically concerns tolerance breach forecasts.
Tip 8: Remember that management by exception is a PRINCE2 principle that enables efficient use of senior management time while maintaining appropriate control.
By understanding these concepts thoroughly, you will be well-prepared to answer any exam questions related to Exception in Progress.