The Appoint Executive and Project Manager activity is a crucial first step in the Starting Up a Project process within PRINCE2 7. This activity ensures that the project has appropriate leadership and accountability from the very beginning.
The Executive is appointed first, typically by corporate o…The Appoint Executive and Project Manager activity is a crucial first step in the Starting Up a Project process within PRINCE2 7. This activity ensures that the project has appropriate leadership and accountability from the very beginning.
The Executive is appointed first, typically by corporate or programme management. This individual becomes the single point of accountability for the project and represents the business interests. The Executive must have sufficient authority to make decisions, commit resources, and ensure the project remains aligned with organizational objectives. They own the Business Case and are responsible for securing funding and ensuring value for money.
Once the Executive is in place, they take responsibility for appointing the Project Manager. The Project Manager is delegated day-to-day responsibility for managing the project on behalf of the Project Board. They must possess the necessary competencies, experience, and authority to lead the project team effectively.
This appointment process is essential because projects require clear ownership and defined responsibilities from inception. Having these two key roles established early provides direction for subsequent startup activities and ensures someone is accountable for developing initial project documentation.
The Executive and Project Manager work together to shape the project during startup. The Executive provides strategic direction while the Project Manager handles operational planning and coordination. Their early collaboration helps establish the project foundations, including defining the project approach, assembling the project team, and preparing the Project Brief.
In some organizations, these appointments may occur simultaneously or the individuals might already be identified before the project formally begins. However, PRINCE2 emphasizes that both roles must be formally confirmed with clear role descriptions and delegated authorities. This clarity prevents confusion about decision-making responsibilities and ensures the project has strong governance from day one.
Appoint Executive and Project Manager - Complete Guide
What is Appoint Executive and Project Manager?
Appoint Executive and Project Manager is a key activity within the Starting Up a Project process in PRINCE2. It is typically the first activity performed and involves identifying and assigning the two most critical roles in any PRINCE2 project: the Executive and the Project Manager.
Why is this Activity Important?
This activity is crucial because:
• Establishes accountability - The Executive is the single point of accountability for the project, representing business interests • Provides leadership - The Project Manager is responsible for day-to-day management and delivery • Enables project initiation - No other Starting Up a Project activities can proceed effectively until these roles are filled • Ensures proper governance - These appointments create the foundation for project decision-making and escalation
How Does This Activity Work?
The process follows these steps:
1. Corporate or programme management triggers the project by appointing the Executive 2. The Executive is appointed first, as they represent the business case owner 3. The Executive then appoints or confirms the Project Manager 4. Both appointments should be documented 5. The Executive may also begin considering other Project Board members at this stage
Key Responsibilities:
The Executive: • Owns the business case • Chairs the Project Board • Secures funding • Makes key decisions
The Project Manager: • Manages day-to-day activities • Plans and monitors progress • Reports to the Project Board • Manages risks and issues
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Appoint Executive and Project Manager
1. Remember the sequence - The Executive is always appointed first, then the Project Manager. Questions often test this order.
2. Know who appoints whom - Corporate or programme management appoints the Executive. The Executive appoints the Project Manager.
3. Understand it is the first activity - This activity must happen before other Starting Up a Project activities can begin effectively.
4. Focus on accountability - The Executive has ultimate accountability for the project. The Project Manager has authority for day-to-day management but reports to the Project Board.
5. Watch for distractor answers - Exam questions may suggest the Project Manager is appointed by the Project Board or that both roles are appointed simultaneously. These are incorrect.
6. Remember the mandatory nature - Both roles must always be filled in every PRINCE2 project, regardless of scale or complexity.
7. Link to business case - Questions may connect this activity to business justification. The Executive owns the business case, making their early appointment essential.
8. Consider tailoring - In smaller projects, one person might combine the Executive and Project Manager roles, but this is not ideal and should be noted as a risk.