In the context of the PRINCE2 7 'Controlling a Stage' process, the activity 'Review Work Package Status' serves as the vital connection between the Project Manager and the delivery teams. Its primary purpose is to allow the Project Manager to monitor progress and maintain control over the stage wit…In the context of the PRINCE2 7 'Controlling a Stage' process, the activity 'Review Work Package Status' serves as the vital connection between the Project Manager and the delivery teams. Its primary purpose is to allow the Project Manager to monitor progress and maintain control over the stage without interfering in the daily technical work, aligning with the principle of 'manage by exception.'
This activity is cyclical and usually triggered by the receipt of a Checkpoint Report from the Team Manager (or the team member responsible). Upon receiving this report, the Project Manager analyzes the progress of the specialist products against the agreed tolerances defined in the Work Package. A critical aspect of this review is assessing the estimated time and effort required to complete the remaining work, rather than merely recording resources already consumed. This ensures accurate forecasting regarding stage completion.
The Project Manager also verifies the status of quality activities, ensuring that products are not just 'done' but meet the specified quality criteria. Additionally, the review involves checking the Configuration Item Records to confirm that the administrative status of products matches reality. Risks and issues raised by the team are assessed to determine their impact on the Stage Plan and the Business Case.
Ultimately, the data derived from this activity—specifically regarding schedule, cost, and quality—is used to update the Stage Plan. If the review reveals that the Work Package is forecast to exceed its tolerances, the Project Manager must analyze the deviation; if the stage tolerances are threatened, this will escalate to the 'Report Highlights' or 'Escalate Issues and Risks' activities. Thus, reviewing Work Package status is essential for maintaining the validity of the plan and ensuring the project remains viable.
Review Work Package Status - Controlling a Stage Process (PRINCE2 Practitioner v7)
What is Review Work Package Status? In the PRINCE2 methodology, Review Work Package Status is a specific activity within the Controlling a Stage process. It serves as the primary mechanism for the Project Manager to monitor progress without micromanaging the team. Once a Work Package has been authorized and is under production by the delivery team (managed by the Team Manager), the Project Manager needs a way to stay informed about its status to ensure the stage remains within tolerances.
Why is it important? This activity is crucial for Management by Exception. It provides the Project Manager with the necessary data to determine if the work is proceeding according to plan or if issues exist that might threaten the stage tolerances. It creates a formal separation between the 'managing' layer and the 'delivering' layer, bridging the gap via formal reporting.
How it works The workflow relies heavily on the communication between the Team Manager and the Project Manager: 1. Input: The Team Manager submits a Checkpoint Report at the frequency agreed upon in the Work Package. 2. Assessment: The Project Manager reviews the Checkpoint Report to compare actual progress against the agreed Work Package. 3. Validation: The Project Manager checks the Quality Register to ensure quality management activities are being performed as scheduled. 4. Update: The Project Manager updates the Stage Plan with actual progress figures to reflect the current reality. 5. Risk/Issue Management: If the report highlights new issues or risks, the Project Manager updates the Issue Register and Risk Register accordingly.
How to Answer Questions on 'Review Work Package Status' When facing Practitioner exam scenarios regarding this activity, focus on the flow of information regarding progress during the execution of work.
Scenario Check: Is the Team Manager sending a report to the Project Manager? This is likely Review Work Package Status.
Plan Updates: If the question asks which plan is updated during this activity, the answer is usually the Stage Plan (to record actuals).
Role Identification: Ensure you distinguish between the Team Manager creating the Checkpoint Report (Managing Product Delivery process) and the Project Manager reviewing it (Controlling a Stage process).
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Review Work Package Status Tip 1: The Input is Key If the scenario mentions a Checkpoint Report arriving on the Project Manager's desk, you are immediately in this activity. Do not confuse this with a Highlight Report (which is an output sent to the Project Board later).
Tip 2: Don't Confuse with 'Receive Completed Work Package' Review Work Package Status happens while the work is being done. Receive Completed Work Package happens only when the work is finished and handed over. Look for words like 'ongoing', 'progress update', or 'interim' to select the Review activity.
Tip 3: The Quality Connection Exam questions often trick candidates by asking about quality. Remember: The Project Manager checks the Quality Register during this activity to verify that quality checks (reviews/tests) are actually happening, even though the Project Manager isn't performing the tests themselves.