In PRINCE2 7, within the Managing Product Delivery process, the Team Manager acts as the vital interface between the Project Manager and the specialist team members. Their primary objective is to ensure that products are created to the defined quality, within specific timescales, and at an agreed c…In PRINCE2 7, within the Managing Product Delivery process, the Team Manager acts as the vital interface between the Project Manager and the specialist team members. Their primary objective is to ensure that products are created to the defined quality, within specific timescales, and at an agreed cost.
The responsibilities commence with the acceptance of a Work Package. The Team Manager reviews the Work Package to ensure the requirements are clear and achievable within the constraints and tolerances defined by the Project Manager. This often involves the creation of a Team Plan, which maps out the specific activities and resources required to execute the work.
During execution, the Team Manager supervises the specialist team, ensuring that the work adheres to the authorized Work Package. A critical responsibility is monitoring progress and providing regular updates to the Project Manager via Checkpoint Reports. This mechanism separates the detailed management of the team from the Project Manager’s oversight, allowing for technical independence while maintaining control.
Additionally, the Team Manager is responsible for ensuring that all Quality Register entries are updated and that specific quality activities (such as testing or inspections) are performed and approved. They must also manage any specific risks or issues that arise within the team's scope. Finally, the Team Manager coordinates the handover of completed products, obtaining the necessary approvals before formally notifying the Project Manager that the Work Package is complete.
Guide to Team Manager Responsibilities in Managing Product Delivery (PRINCE2 v7)
Introduction In the PRINCE2 v7 methodology, the Managing Product Delivery process serves as the critical interface between the Project Manager (management layer) and the Team Manager (delivery layer). This guide explains the specific responsibilities of the Team Manager in ensuring that specialist products are created, tested, and delivered effectively.
Why is it Important? These responsibilities are vital because they bridge the gap between high-level project direction and the actual creation of products. Clear Team Manager responsibilities prevent scope creep, ensure Quality criteria are met, and maintain the flow of accurate progress information to the Project Manager. This directly supports the PRINCE2 principles of Focus on products and Manage by exception.
What it is and How it Works The Team Manager's role within this process is executed through three main activities. Here is how they work:
1. Accepting a Work Package Before the team begins work, the Team Manager must agree to the constraints defined by the Project Manager. Responsibilities include: - Negotiating the effort, cost, and time required. - Creating a Team Plan which details how the work will be executed. - Identifying risks specific to the Work Package. - Agreeing on the reporting frequency (Checkpoint Reports).
2. Executing a Work Package As the specialist team builds the products, the Team Manager coordinates the daily work. Responsibilities include: - Supervising the creation of products to meet the Product Descriptions. - Monitoring progress against the Team Plan. - conducting or overseeing Quality Control activities (inspections/testing). - Submitting Checkpoint Reports to the Project Manager to update them on status. - Managing specific issues and risks within the team's tolerance.
3. Delivering a Work Package When the work is complete, the Team Manager ensures a formal handover. Responsibilities include: - Ensuring the Quality Register is updated to reflect passed quality checks. - Obtaining necessary approval records (signatures). - notifying the Project Manager that the Work Package is complete and ready for return.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Team Manager Responsibilities To succeed in the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam regarding this topic, apply the following logic to scenario questions:
1. Follow the Documents: If a question asks how the Team Manager communicates progress to the Project Manager, the answer is always the Checkpoint Report. Do not select 'Highlight Report' (that is PM to Board) or 'End Stage Report'.
2. Planning Hierarchy: Team Managers are responsible for Team Plans. If an option suggests the Team Manager is updating the Project Plan or Stage Plan, it is likely incorrect. They update their Team Plan and report deviations to the PM.
3. The Interface: Remember that the Work Package is the contract. If a scenario describes the Team Manager changing the scope or quality criteria without consulting the Project Manager, this is a violation of PRINCE2. They must raise an Issue if they cannot meet the Work Package requirements.
4. Role Tailoring: Be aware that the Team Manager role is distinct from the Team Member. The Team Manager manages the delivery; they do not necessarily build the product themselves, though they can. In questions regarding 'Approval', the Team Manager ensures products are approved by the authorities listed in the Product Description, but the Team Manager usually does not give final project-level approval.