Managing Product Delivery (MP)
Managing Product Delivery (MP) is a critical PRINCE2 process that focuses on the creation and delivery of the project's products. This process forms the technical heartbeat of the project, bridging the gap between the Project Manager and the teams that will actually produce the project's deliverables. The purpose of the MP process is to control the link between the Project Manager and Team Manager(s) by formally establishing requirements and acceptance criteria for work packages. Within PRINCE2, there is a clear distinction between project management (controlled by the Project Manager) and product delivery (managed by Team Managers or delivery teams). The MP process provides the formal interface between these two aspects of the project. The process consists of three primary activities: accepting a work package, executing a work package, and delivering a work package. When accepting a work package, Team Managers confirm their understanding of requirements and agree on constraints. During execution, they perform the required work, maintain quality standards, and track progress. Finally, when delivering the work package, they obtain acceptance that the products meet criteria and are complete. The MP process implements several PRINCE2 principles, particularly "focus on products" and "defined roles and responsibilities." It emphasizes clear product descriptions with quality criteria and ensures everyone understands their role in product creation. The process also supports the "manage by stages" principle by focusing on one management stage at a time. MP connects with the Controlling a Stage process, creating a structured flow of work and information between management and delivery teams while maintaining appropriate levels of control and quality assurance.
A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Product Delivery (MP) Process in PRINCE2
Understanding Managing Product Delivery (MP) in PRINCE2
The Managing Product Delivery process is a core component of the PRINCE2 methodology, focused on ensuring that planned products are created and delivered to meet expectations. This guide will explain its importance, mechanics, and offer tips for exam success.
Why Managing Product Delivery is Important
Managing Product Delivery serves as the crucial link between project management and product creation. Its importance stems from:
• It creates a controlled connection between the Project Manager and Team Manager
• It establishes clear acceptance criteria for deliverables
• It ensures work packages are properly authorized before work begins
• It confirms products meet quality expectations through quality methods
• It provides regular progress reporting to maintain control
• It ensures formal product handover with appropriate approval
What is Managing Product Delivery?
The Managing Product Delivery process is one of the seven core processes in PRINCE2. Its purpose is to control the link between the Project Manager and Team Manager by agreeing on requirements for work, ensuring work meets requirements, and confirming delivery of products.
MP is primarily executed at the team level and is the responsibility of the Team Manager (though in smaller projects, this role may be performed by the Project Manager). The process encompasses accepting, executing, and delivering work packages.
How Managing Product Delivery Works
The MP process consists of three main activities:
1. Accept a Work Package
• Team Manager reviews and negotiates work package details with Project Manager
• Key elements reviewed include products required, constraints, reporting arrangements, procedures, and any tailoring needed
• Team Manager confirms understanding and ability to deliver
• Work package must be formally authorized before proceeding
2. Execute a Work Package
• Team works on creating the products as specified
• Quality methods are applied to ensure products meet quality criteria
• Progress is monitored and regularly reported to Project Manager
• Issues may be identified and escalated if needed
• Configuration management procedures are followed to track products
3. Deliver a Work Package
• Completed products are approved by the Team Manager
• Products are handed over as specified in the work package
• Final approval is obtained from the Project Manager
• Work package is recorded as complete
Key Inputs and Outputs
Primary Inputs:
• Authorized work packages
• Stage Plan
• Configuration Management Strategy
• Quality Management Strategy
Primary Outputs:
• Completed products
• Quality register updates
• Checkpoint reports
• Issue reports (if applicable)
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Managing Product Delivery (MP)
1. Understand the Three Core Activities
Exam questions often test your understanding of accepting, executing, and delivering work packages. Know the specific actions within each activity.
2. Know the Responsibilities
Be clear about who is responsible for what. The Team Manager is the primary role in MP, but understand how they interact with the Project Manager and Team Members.
3. Remember the Triggers
MP is typically triggered by the authorization of a work package during the Controlling a Stage process. Recognize this relationship in scenario-based questions.
4. Focus on Quality
Questions may test your knowledge of how quality is maintained within MP. Understand how quality activities from the Quality Management Strategy are applied.
5. Watch for Work Package Components
Know what should be included in a work package (description, constraints, interfaces, reporting arrangements, etc.).
6. Recognize Common Scenarios
Be prepared to identify when a Team Manager should escalate issues to the Project Manager versus handling them within their authority.
7. Connect to Other Processes
Understand how MP connects to Controlling a Stage (CS) and how information flows between them.
8. Apply to Different Project Scales
Consider how MP might be tailored in different sized projects while maintaining its essential purpose.
Example Exam Question Types:
• Scenario-based questions asking what action a Team Manager should take next
• Questions about the appropriate timing of acceptance or delivery activities
• Questions asking you to identify correct MP activities from a list
• Relationship questions between MP and other processes
Remember that Managing Product Delivery represents the "doing" part of PRINCE2 - where products are actually created according to specifications. Maintaining this focus will help you answer exam questions correctly.
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