In the context of PRINCE2 7, the Checkpoint Report is a vital progress control mechanism derived from the 'Managing Product Delivery' process. It serves as the primary communication link between the Team Manager and the Project Manager, ensuring that the project management team is kept up to date o…In the context of PRINCE2 7, the Checkpoint Report is a vital progress control mechanism derived from the 'Managing Product Delivery' process. It serves as the primary communication link between the Team Manager and the Project Manager, ensuring that the project management team is kept up to date on the progress of specific Work Packages without the need for micromanagement.
The frequency and format of the Checkpoint Report are agreed upon when the Project Manager authorizes a Work Package. It can range from a formal written document to minutes from a meeting or an automated update from a project management tool. Regardless of format, its objective is to report on what has been achieved against the plan, encompassing the status of products (completed or in progress), quality activities executed, and resource utilization.
From a 'Progress' practice perspective, the Checkpoint Report provides the actual data required for the Project Manager to assess the status of the stage and subsequently compile the Highlight Report for the Project Board. It details the work completed in the current reporting period, the work planned for the next period, and any issues or risks that have arisen. Crucially, it includes a review of tolerances at the Work Package level. If the Team Manager forecasts that the Work Package will deviate beyond agreed tolerances (time, cost, or scope), this allows the Project Manager to take corrective action or escalate via an Exception Report. Ultimately, the Checkpoint Report ensures the upward flow of information necessary to maintain the 'Manage by Exception' principle.
Prince2 Practitioner v7 Guide: Checkpoint Report
What is a Checkpoint Report? In PRINCE2 v7, a Checkpoint Report is a time-driven or event-driven progress report produced by the Team Manager and sent to the Project Manager. It provides the status of the Work Package execution. It is the mechanism by which the delivery team keeps the Project Manager informed of progress without the need for constant meetings or micromanagement.
Why is it Important? The Checkpoint Report is vital for the Progress Practice because it ensures the Project Manager has accurate, up-to-date data to update the Stage Plan. It acts as the 'heartbeat' of the project's delivery layer. Without it, the Project Manager would lose visibility of product delivery status, resource usage, and emerging technical issues.
How it Works The frequency and format of these reports are agreed upon between the Project Manager and Team Manager when the Work Package is authorized. The report typically covers: 1. Follow-up: Status of items from the previous report. 2. This Period: Work completed and products developed during the current period. 3. Next Period: Work planned for the upcoming period. 4. Tolerance Status: Actual vs. planned usage of time and cost, and whether Work Package tolerances are threatened. 5. Issues and Risks: Any technical issues or risks identified by the team.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Checkpoint Report To answer Practitioner questions correctly, apply the following logic:
1. Who creates it? Always the Team Manager. If the scenario involves a Project Manager writing a report, it is likely a Highlight Report (for the Board) or an End Stage Report, not a Checkpoint Report.
2. Who receives it? The Project Manager. It is used to update the Stage Plan and assess progress during the Controlling a Stage process.
3. Where is the frequency defined? In the Work Package. Exam questions often ask where the schedule for these reports is found; do not select 'Communication Management Approach' unless it's a general stakeholder question. For specific Work Package reporting, it is in the Work Package description.
4. Distinguish from Highlight Reports Use the mnemonic: Teams reach Checkpoints; PMs provide Highlights. If the question asks about updating the Project Board, the Checkpoint Report is the wrong answer.
5. Scenario Application If a scenario states that a supplier is failing to meet a deadline, the evidence for this would first appear in a Checkpoint Report. Look for answers that link the Checkpoint Report to the update of the Stage Plan.