A team manages a project, and without one, it cannot even begin or be completed. When a team is finally assembled, they will need to create a plan and implement it to complete the project. The team members assigned to a particular project know their responsibilities, what to expect from others and their team members, to whom they must report their work, and who will do the brainstorming and decision-making; this article focuses on answering these questions. Consequently, this blog defines the PRINCE2 roles and responsibilities of everyone associated with the project from its inception to its conclusion.
PRINCE2® suggests that a project’s roles and responsibilities should be well-defined, distributed, and agreed upon by the entire project team. An organization must clearly define these roles and responsibilities for its structure that addresses Business, User, and Stakeholder interests for the efficient and proper functioning of the project.
PRINCE2 methodology merely outlines principles and expects organizations to “get on with it.” Instead, PRINCE2 also specifies who is responsible for what and how it should be completed. This article will discuss the key roles in PRINCE2 projects, followed by their responsibilities.
PRINCE2 – Roles and Responsibilities
The Customer/Executive
A customer/executive is the person or organization that commissioned and will pay for the project. The customers will be the owner of the business case and are ultimately accountable for ensuring that the project delivers on its promises.
The corporate program management appoints the executive responsible for the project, with assistance from the Senior User and Senior Supplier. In addition to hiring the project management team, the executive is also responsible for creating and selecting the project management team.
The Senior User
The Senior User represents the organization or individuals using the product or service delivered due to PRINCE2 projects. The customer and the user may be the same individual. The senior user ensures that the Project Board considers and specifies the user’s requirements.
It represents the requirements of the final user on the board. Senior User specifies the needs of the user who will use the finished product or service, establishes communication between the project management team and the users, and ensures that the products will meet the users’ needs in terms of quality and usability. It also provides information regarding the benefits of the review plan.
The Senior Supplier
The senior supplier is the organization or individual that provides the necessary expertise for the success of the PRINCE2 project. They will have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to inform the Project Board of the steps required to produce the final deliverable and to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated for the project’s completion.
It represents the supplier’s interests and those included in designing, developing, facilitating, and implementing the project’s product and services. Therefore, only the appropriate tools, personnel, and equipment are in place. In addition, they ensure that the product meets all standard criteria, including quality standards.
The executive role is reserved for a single individual, while the senior user and senior supplier roles can be assigned to one or multiple individuals.
The Project Manager
The Project Manager organizes and manages the project, selecting the team and ensuring it is completed on time, adhering to budget and quality standards. In addition, they are also responsible for the essential project planning work.
The Project Manager role influences the project in the following ways:
- Their primary objective each day is to manage the project regularly
- This particular Project Manager position is never shared, and only one is appointed for any given project
- The Project Manager manages and oversees a project on behalf of the Project Board within a few predetermined constraints and collaborates with the Project Board and Project Assurance throughout the project
- In smaller projects without Team Managers, the Project Manager can directly manage the team members. Additionally, in cases where project support is necessary, the Project Manager is solely responsible for providing support
The Team Manager
Depending on the project scope/objective, there may be one or more team managers. On smaller projects, it is common for the project manager to also serve as Team Manager. The team manager oversees the day-to-day operational work of the PRINCE2 project, ensuring that the product is created within the agreed-upon time, cost, and quality tolerances.
The position of Team Manager only comes into play if:
- The project is quite large and requires numerous participants. Consequently, several team members must manage and oversee multiple teams with diverse departments and specializations
- Team Managers are typically required to possess a particular skill, skill set, or product knowledge
- Additionally, they are essential when the project is affected by geographical factors. The project may include remote teams that assist with remote locations. The Team Manager oversees each remote team
Change Authority
Change Authority is the individual or group that will evaluate any change requests to the project’s specifications. For example, there will be a change in budget, and the Change Authority has the Authority to accept or reject change requests.
The following responsibilities are associated with the Change Authority:
- This function reports to the Project Team Management
- The Project Board may determine whether a single individual or a group is necessary to fulfill this function
- Change Authority’s primary purpose is to review requests for change or deviations from the project’s specifications
- Considering the magnitude and complexity of the change, the Change Authority can also delegate Authority to various levels
Project Assurance
Project Assurance objectively assesses the project’s progress at predetermined intervals. This particular role must be independent of the Project Manager, and the Project Board typically assumes it. However, the Project Board may also appoint an independent Project Assurance team. This team’s responsibility is to ensure that the project remains on track regarding business assurance, user assurance, and supplier assurance.
Advantages of Taking up PRINCE2 Certification
Popular Project Management Methodology
PRINCE2® is a methodology that is employed in projects of all sizes and industries across the globe. Acquiring this certification demonstrates your familiarity with PRINCE2® terminology. You can communicate and interact effectively with customers and other stakeholders if you are proficient in international project management terminology.
Boost Your Career
Employers across the globe prefer candidates with a PRINCE2® qualification, particularly in the field of project support or administrator, so holding a PRINCE2® certification is advantageous.
Increased Confidence
The certification will increase your confidence in your work, which will show in your role on the project.
Improved Recognition
The PRINCE2® qualification and knowledge will assist you in becoming a better project practitioner, gaining workplace respect, and advancing your career.
Transition from Academic to Real World
It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and ready to work in a real-world business environment.
More Global Opportunities
Numerous multinational and government organizations recognize PRINCE2®, which increases employment opportunities on the global market.
How Does Prince 2 Certification Assists in Gaining Better Career Prospects?
As a professional in project management, you will have enormous responsibilities. By getting PRINCE2® certification, you’ll be able to plan, manage, and control the progress of projects more effectively. You’ll also be able to ensure that goals are met by the due date.
Positions such as project analyst and project planner serve as stepping stones for candidates who wish to pursue a career in project management. These roles enable the professional to work alongside a project manager and gain an in-depth understanding of the practical application of project management techniques and the steps involved in successfully leading a project to completion.
Project Manager
A Project Manager’s responsibility is coordinating resources such as money, people, and materials and delivering products adhering to customer specifications. In addition, the Project Manager is accountable for project planning, communicating with stakeholders, managing risks and issues, monitoring the project’s progress, and reporting to the senior manager.
Program Manager
A Project Manager with experience can be promoted to the position of Program Manager, which entails planning and coordination of multiple projects managed by the project manager.
This occupation is in high demand and pays well. A program manager must have in-depth knowledge and comprehension of the project management process, as well as the drive and enthusiasm to ensure the execution and completion of projects.
What Kinds of Positions Are Available after Gaining Experience?
Once PRINCE2®-certified professionals gain sufficient experience in project management, numerous opportunities for advancement become available. Not only are project management skills applicable to project management but also to other fields of work. Professionals with PRINCE2® certification can either continue on the project management career path or utilize their project management experience in a more senior executive position. They can start their own businesses or become independent contractors; there are countless opportunities for career advancement and salary increases.
Conclusion
A PRINCE2® certification grants greater control over resources and improves a professional’s capacity to manage projects and businesses more efficiently. Recruiters also prefer certified professionals to join their project board and bring a controlled environment to the organization.
Explore our PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner training courses to learn more about PRINCE2 project roles. In addition, Invensis Learning provides online classroom training courses at your own pace to help you prepare for the PRINCE2 Certification examinations.
