In the context of the PRINCE2 7 Managing Product Delivery process, the activity 'Execute a work package' represents the core production phase where specialist products are actually created, tested, and prepared. Once the Team Manager has accepted a Work Package from the Project Manager, the focus s…In the context of the PRINCE2 7 Managing Product Delivery process, the activity 'Execute a work package' represents the core production phase where specialist products are actually created, tested, and prepared. Once the Team Manager has accepted a Work Package from the Project Manager, the focus shifts to the development of the deliverables defined within it.
During this activity, the Team Manager coordinates the team's efforts to ensure the work is carried out according to the Product Descriptions and within the agreed tolerances for time, cost, and quality. The team members perform the technical work and apply the specified quality methods—such as inspections, testing, or peer reviews—to verify that the products meet the required quality criteria. These quality checks are mandatory before a product is considered complete.
Simultaneously, the Team Manager is responsible for monitoring progress and resource consumption against the Team Plan. They must maintain the Team Register (or equivalent log) to record quality results, issues, and risks. If any issues arise that threaten the Work Package tolerances, the Team Manager must raise an issue to the Project Manager immediately.
Communication is maintained via Checkpoint Reports, which are sent to the Project Manager at agreed intervals. These reports provide updates on the status of the work, resource usage, and any problems encountered. The activity concludes when the products are completed and approved by the authorities identified in the Product Description, at which point the team moves to the 'Deliver a work package' activity to hand over the completed outputs.
Managing Product Delivery: Execute a Work Package
Definition and Context In PRINCE2 7th Edition, Execute a Work Package is the central activity within the Managing Product Delivery (MP) process. It represents the 'engine room' of the project. Once a Team Manager has accepted a Work Package from the Project Manager, this activity involves the actual creation and development of the specialist products (the deliverables). It is distinct from the management layers above it; while the Project Manager manages the stage, the Team Manager utilizes this activity to manage the specific technical work.
Why is it Important? This activity is vital because it is the only point in the PRINCE2 method where the project's products are actually built. It bridges the gap between project direction and technical delivery. It ensures that work is not just 'done,' but executed in strict accordance with the requirements, quality criteria, and tolerances defined in the Work Package. Furthermore, it ensures the Project Manager is kept informed via regular reporting, maintaining control without micromanagement.
How it Works The Team Manager coordinates the following actions during this activity: 1. Development: The team creates the specialist products described in the Work Package. 2. Quality Control: The team carries out the quality methods (tests, inspections) specified in the Work Package. 3. Record Keeping: Proof that the products meet quality criteria is obtained (e.g., obtaining approval records). The Team Register is updated with quality check results. 4. Reporting: The Team Manager generates Checkpoint Reports at the frequency agreed upon in the Work Package and sends them to the Project Manager. 5. Risk Management: The Team Manager monitors specific risks and issues related to the work, logging them in the Team Register.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Execute Work Package When facing Practitioner questions regarding this activity, apply the following logic:
1. Who is acting? The primary role acting here is the Team Manager. If a question describes someone building a product, testing a product, or writing a Checkpoint Report, it is the Team Manager (or the team members themselves).
2. Which document is flowing? The key communication tool during execution is the Checkpoint Report. If the scenario mentions a highlight report, you are in the wrong process (that is for the Project Manager). If it mentions the Team Manager updating the Project Manager on progress, look for 'Checkpoint Report.'
3. Differentiate 'Execute' from 'Deliver' Be careful not to confuse Execute a Work Package with Deliver a Work Package. If the scenario describes the work being completed and the team manager is notifying the PM that the Work Package is finished, that falls under 'Deliver a Work Package.' If the work is ongoing, it is 'Execute a Work Package.'
4. Quality and Registers Remember that the Team Manager manages the Team Register. If the exam asks where the Team Manager records a new issue that arises during the creation of a product, the answer is the Team Register, not the Daily Log (which belongs to the PM).