Chapter 14: Directing a project Flashcards
What is the purpose of the process of directing a project?
to enable the project board to be accountable
for the project’s success by making key decisions and exercising overall control while delegating
day-to-day management of the project to the project manager.
What are the objectives of the directing a project process?
To ensure:
● there is authority to initiate the project.
● there is authority to deliver the project product.
● appropriate management direction and control are provided throughout the project’s life.
● the project remains viable.
● the business layer has a connection to the project.
● there is authority to close the project.
● plans for realizing the post-project benefits are managed and reviewed.
What are the activities of directing a project process?
-Authorize Initiation
-Authorize the project
-Authorize a stage or exception plan
- Give ongoing direction
-Authorize project closure
What could be the recommended actions for the activity: Authorize Initiation
● check that the project approach aligns with business policies.
● review and approve the project brief and the project product description.
● check that the outline business case demonstrates a viable project that aligns to business
strategy.
● review and approve the stage plan for the initiation stage. Set tolerances for the stage.
● inform all stakeholders and the impacted sites that the project is being initiated and request
any necessary logistical support (such as communication facilities, equipment, and any project
support) sufficient for the initiation stage.
● authorize the project manager to proceed with the initiation stage.
What could be the recommended actions for the activity: Authorize the project
● review and approve the project initiation documentation
● confirm tolerances for the project
● confirm that lessons from previous similar projects have been reviewed and addressed
● confirm that there has been a review of the risks and that risk responses for both threats and
opportunities are appropriate and planned
● obtain or commit the people and resources needed by the project (these will be provided to
the project manager stage by stage)
● notify the business and other interested parties that the project has been authorized
● authorize the project manager to deliver the project or instruct the project manager to close
the project prematurely if a decision is made not to proceed.
What could be the recommended actions for the activity: Authorize a stage or exception plan
● review and approve the end stage report.
● review the stage plan or exception plan for which the project manager is seeking approval.
● make a decision to approve the plan or ask the project manager to revise the rejected plan, or
instruct the project manager to initiate premature closure of the project.
● communicate the status of the project to the business and keep other interested parties informed
about project progress (in accordance with the communication management approach).
What could be the recommended actions for the activity: Give ongoing direction
● in response to informal requests for advice and guidance, seek advice (if needed) and assist
the project manager.
● in response to an escalated issue, seek advice (if needed) and make a
decision. If the issue is off-specification then the response is either to reject it or to grant a concession, which means the incomplete product is accepted.
● in response to an exception report, seek advice (if needed) and make a
decision.
● in response to the receipt of a highlight report, review and take actions as
necessary.
● in response to advice and decisions from the business, notify the project manager of any changes.
What could be the recommended actions for the activity: Authorize project closure
● review the original and current versions of the project initiation documentation to understand
the project’s initial baseline and current approaches and controls.
● review and approve the end project report.
● ensure that post-project benefits reviews defined by the updated benefits management approach
● review and gain approval for the updated benefits management approach, ensuring that it
addresses the expected benefits that cannot yet be confirmed.
● confirm the updated business case by comparing the actual and forecast benefits, costs, and
risks against the outline business case that was used to justify the project
● review and issue a project closure notification in accordance with the communication
management approach.
● ensure that off-boarding of all remaining project team members is handled in a correct way
Who is responsible for applying the activities in the direct a project process?
The Project Executive
(but the actual work may be
done by others)
