Change

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Change theme in PRINCE2?

Answer 1

The purpose of the Change theme is to identify, assess, and control any potential and approved changes to the project’s baseline. It is important to systematically manage changes to ensure the project remains responsive to stakeholders and under control.

Question 2

What are the different types of issues and change requests in PRINCE2?

Answer 2

Types include change requests (alterations to the project baseline), non-conformities (absence or non-compliance of a product), and issues/concerns (any other matter requiring action). Each requires assessment and management response.

Question 2

How are changes managed in relation to baselines in PRINCE2?

Answer 2

Changes are assessed based on their impact on the current baselines. Baselines are reference levels against which items are monitored and controlled. Changing a baseline involves creating a new version of the item while keeping the original baseline unchanged.

Question 2

What are configuration items and configuration records in PRINCE2?

Answer 2

Configuration items are project objects that require control and baselining. Configuration records describe the state and version of these items. Configuration control ensures changes are authorized and tracked.

Question 3

What is a Product Status Account in PRINCE2?

Answer 3

It is a report on the status of project products. It provides up-to-date details on the status and versions of products, facilitating the management and control of changes.

Question 4

What is PRINCE2’s approach to change control?

Answer 4

PRINCE2 requires a defined approach to change control, including the identification and management of issues, assessing the impact of issues on the business justification, and clear roles and responsibilities.

Question 5

What are the essential products for change management in PRINCE2?

Answer 5

PRINCE2 requires an issue register to track formally managed issues and an approach to change control to manage the protection and control of project products.

Question 6

What does the issue register contain in PRINCE2?

Answer 6

The issue register documents all formally managed issues, including details of options, recommendations, and decisions made.

Question 7

When are controls for issues and changes established in PRINCE2?

Answer 7

Controls for issues and changes are defined during the project initiation process and updated at the end of each management stage.

Question 8

Is PRINCE2 flexible in its approach to change management?

Answer 8

Yes, PRINCE2 recommends an approach to issue management and change control but is not prescriptive. Any approach that meets the described requirements aligns with PRINCE2.

Question 9

What is the role of the Senior User in the change control process?

Answer 9

The Senior User focuses on issues that impact expected benefits, provides guidance, and makes decisions on escalated issues.

Question 9

What are the main responsibilities of the Executive in change control?

Answer 9

The Executive determines change authority and budget, assesses the severity of issues, and makes decisions on significant matters, with a focus on business justification.

Question 10

What are the functions of the Senior Supplier in change control?

Answer 10

The Senior Supplier deals with supply-related issues, ensuring the integrity of the solution and responding to consultation requests.

Question 11

What are the primary tasks of the Project Manager in change control?

Answer 11

The Project Manager manages the approach to change control, maintains the issue register, and implements corrective actions.

Question 12

How do the Team Manager and Project Support contribute to change control?

Answer 12

The Team Manager implements corrective actions. Project Support manages documentation and assists in issue management.

Question 13

What does customization in change control in PRINCE2 entail?

Answer 13

It involves adapting change control processes to specific organizational or programmatic policies and the use of appropriate tools.

Question 14

How is change control adapted to the size of the project in PRINCE2?

Answer 14

The approach varies based on the project’s size and complexity, aiming for a balance between decision-making effectiveness and administrative burden.

Question 15

How are product baselines managed in PRINCE2?

Answer 15

It requires the creation and appropriate control of baselines, determining which products need baselining and maintaining accurate records.

Question 16

How is the change approach adapted to project delivery in PRINCE2?

Answer 16

Change control must support the project delivery approach. For example, a monthly control may not be effective in an agile project with frequent deliveries.

Question 17

What is the role of the change authority in a PRINCE2 project?

Answer 17

The change authority, delegated by the project board, manages change approvals. It is important in situations with many changes to avoid excessive escalation to the project board. The change authority can be the project manager or a person with assurance responsibilities.

Question 18

What is the purpose of a change budget in PRINCE2?

Answer 18

A change budget finances the costs of requested changes. It is used when a high number of changes is anticipated, helping to manage expenses and keep the project within cost and time limits.

Question 19

What is the recommended PRINCE2 procedure for issue and change control?

Answer 19

PRINCE2 suggests capturing issues, assessing their severity and priority, and deciding whether to manage them informally or formally. Issues managed formally should be entered into the issue register.

Question 20

How do you distinguish between formal and informal issue management in PRINCE2?

Answer 20

Formal management applies to serious issues that require decisions at a higher level, while informal management concerns minor or quickly resolvable issues managed directly by the project manager.

Question 21

How are issues assessed in PRINCE2?

Answer 21

Assessment begins with an impact analysis to understand how the issue affects project performance targets (time, cost, quality, scope), the business case, and the risk profile. This includes the effect on other products and, if part of a program, the overall impact on the program.

Question 22

What happens to the issue register after the impact analysis?

Answer 22

After the impact analysis, the issue register is updated with new information. The person who raised the issue is informed of the status and changes.

Question 23

What is the process for proposing corrective actions in PRINCE2?

Answer 23

After understanding the issue’s impact, various response options are considered, balancing benefits and costs. Options that exceed project tolerances require consultation with the project board.

Question 24

What is PRINCE2’s approach to balancing benefits and costs in issue responses?

Answer 24

In PRINCE2, the relationship between the expected benefits of an issue response and its implementation costs is carefully evaluated, taking into account project risks and the operational impact of products. Responses must be proportionate to the risks and benefits involved.

Question 25

How does a PRINCE2 project manager decide on corrective actions?

Answer 25

The project manager may resolve some issues without escalating them to the project board. For example, a small change in a detailed design document that does not impact other products can be managed by the project manager and formally recorded. More significant issues may require escalation to the project board or its delegated authority for a decision.

Question 26

What are the possible responses of the project board to a change request in PRINCE2?

Answer 26

The project board can approve, reject, or defer a decision on a change request, or request further information. Change requests that incur additional costs can be funded from the change budget, increasing the project budget, or reducing other project elements.

Question 27

How are corrective actions implemented and controlled in PRINCE2?

Answer 27

Corrective actions are implemented by the project manager, updating plans and registers, and must be carried out in a controlled manner. Changes to baselined products require the creation of new versions, while keeping the original versions intact.