In the context of the PRINCE2 7 Managing Product Delivery process, the 'Accept Work Package' activity represents the fundamental handshake between the Project Manager and the Team Manager. Its primary objective is to ensure that the team understands the work requirements and can commit to deliverin…In the context of the PRINCE2 7 Managing Product Delivery process, the 'Accept Work Package' activity represents the fundamental handshake between the Project Manager and the Team Manager. Its primary objective is to ensure that the team understands the work requirements and can commit to delivering the products within the agreed constraints before execution begins.
Upon receiving a Work Package from the Project Manager (who authorizes it during the 'Controlling a Stage' process), the Team Manager does not simply start work. Instead, they must first examine the Work Package description to understand the Product Descriptions, quality criteria, techniques, and tolerances. The Team Manager assesses the feasibility of the task, checking if the allocated time, cost, and resources are sufficient.
During this activity, the Team Manager produces or updates a Team Plan, detailing how the work will be executed and monitored. This planning phase allows the team to identify specific risks and dependencies associated with the deliverables. It is a negotiation point; if the Team Manager believes the work cannot be completed within the defined tolerances, they must raise an issue or reject the Work Package rather than setting the team up for failure.
Formal acceptance involves agreeing on the Team Plan, the reporting frequency (Checkpoint Reports), and the method of product handover. Once the Team Manager and Project Manager reach an agreement, the Work Package is technically 'accepted,' authorizing the team to proceed to the 'Execute Work Package' activity. This ensures clarity of scope and accountability, bridging the gap between project direction and technical delivery.
Accept a Work Package: A PRINCE2 Practitioner v7 Guide
Overview The activity Accept a Work Package is the initiating step of the Managing Product Delivery process. It serves as the formal interface and handshake between the Project Manager (who is controlling the stage) and the Team Manager (who is managing the delivery). This activity ensures that the team understands what needs to be delivered and agrees that it is achievable before work commences.
Why is it Important? In PRINCE2, a fundamental principle is Manage by Stages and explicitly defined roles. This activity is crucial because: 1. Clarity: It prevents the team from starting work based on assumptions. It ensures the Team Manager understands the Product Descriptions, quality criteria, and reporting requirements. 2. Commitment: It formalizes the commitment. By accepting the Work Package, the Team Manager confirms that the work can be done within the agreed tolerances (time, cost, quality). 3. Risk Management: It allows the team to identify specific risks associated with the production of the products before resources are consumed.
How it Works The process is driven by the Team Manager and involves the following steps upon receiving a Work Package from the Project Manager: • Review the Work Package: The Team Manager examines the constraints, reporting requirements, and Product Descriptions. • Produce the Team Plan: The Team Manager creates (or updates) a Team Plan to show how the work will be executed, who will do it, and when. • Consult Project Assurance: The Team Manager checks with Project Assurance to verify that the proposed methods and quality standards are appropriate. • Identify Risks: Any risks specific to the Work Package are identified and logged (potentially in the Team Register if one exists, or reported to the PM). • Negotiate: If the work cannot be done within the constraints, the Team Manager must not accept the Work Package. They must negotiate new tolerances or scope with the Project Manager. • Agreement: Once the Team Plan is viable and approved, the Work Package is formally accepted.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Accept Work Package For the PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam, apply these rules when analyzing scenarios:
1. Who is the Actor? Questions for this activity almost always focus on the Team Manager. If the scenario involves a supplier or an internal team lead planning their work, it is this activity.
2. The Link to 'Controlling a Stage' Remember the connection: The Project Manager performs Authorize a Work Package (in Controlling a Stage), which triggers the Team Manager to perform Accept a Work Package. If an exam question asks what happens before the team starts work, look for the creation of the Team Plan.
3. The Negotiation Rule A common trick question involves a Team Manager receiving a Work Package that is unrealistic (e.g., "complete this in 2 days" when it takes 5). The correct course of action is never to just "do your best." The Team Manager must reject the package or negotiate via the Project Manager. If they accept it, they own the failure.
4. Tailoring and Commercial Contexts If the scenario involves an external supplier, Accept a Work Package might be synonymous with reviewing and signing a contract or accepting a Purchase Order. The Team Plan might be a supplier's schedule.