Module 16 - Directing a Project

Question 1

What is the purpose of ‘directing a project’ process?

Answer 1

Enable the project board to be accountable for project’s success by making key decisions and exercising control while delegating day-to-day mgmt to the PM

Question 2

What are the objectives of the directing a project process?

Answer 2

Ensuring:
- authority to initiate project
- authority to deliver products
- mgmt direction and control throughout project’s life
- project remains viable
- business layer has connection to project
- authority to close project
- plans for realising post-project benefits are managed and reviewed

Question 3

What is the project board’s role in directing a project?

Answer 3

The activities associated with directing a project are done by the project board:
- managing by exception
- monitor via reports and controls through the decision points
- gives informal advice and formal direction
- acts as communication channel between project and business layer

Question 4

What are the activities the project board undertakes in the ‘directing a project’ process?

Answer 4

• Authorise initiation: approve or decline request from PM to start project (involves approving the project brief, product description, initiation stage plan, checking OBC)
• Authorise project: approve project initiation doc, confirm tolerances, lessons from previous projects and that a risk review has taken place.
• Give ongoing direction: advice, responding to requests/reports/external influences/changes
• Authorise a stage or exception plan: by reviewing the performance of the current stage and approving plan for the next stage
• Authorise project closure: review and approve end of project report