Chapter 4 - Organizational framework

Question 1

What is the role of a sponsor in a project?

Answer 1

The sponsor is accountable for project investment and business objectives, defines business aims, justifies the project, sets objectives, monitors progress, authorizes capital expenditure, appoints the project manager, provides high-level support, and can terminate the project if necessary.

Question 2

Who are the users in a project context?

Answer 2

Users are directly affected by the project, use the system’s facilities, define system requirements, review specifications, assist in system introduction, and conduct or witness acceptance tests.

Question 3

What are the responsibilities of a project manager?

Answer 3

A project manager is appointed by the sponsor to manage the project daily, achieves objectives within time, costs, and quality constraints, plans, monitors, and controls the project, selects and motivates the team, keeps the sponsor and management informed, and manages subcontractors.

Question 4

What does a risk manager do?

Answer 4

A risk manager assists with identifying, classifying, and quantifying risks, and ensures risk reduction actions are carried out.

Question 5

What are the duties of a quality manager?

Answer 5

A quality manager writes quality plans, develops control procedures, checks compliance, and provides advice on quality-related issues.

Question 6

What is the role of a chief analyst in a project?

Answer 6

The chief analyst leads analysis work, advises on methods and techniques, ensures standards are followed, and ideally is experienced in the relevant business field.

Question 7

What responsibilities does a chief designer have?

Answer 7

A chief designer controls the design team, provides guidance, develops project-specific standards, and is experienced in the technology used.

Question 8

What are the main tasks of a database administrator?

Answer 8

A database administrator manages the database and supporting data dictionary, and develops and enforces database use standards.

Question 9

What does a configuration librarian do?

Answer 9

A configuration librarian manages configuration control procedures.

Question 10

What is the function of a team leader in a project?

Answer 10

A team leader delegates detailed management of staff, typically leads a small group, plans and directs daily work, and organizes reviews.

Question 11

What support does a project office provide?

Answer 11

A project office provides administrative support to the project manager, manages timesheets, organizes meetings, and disseminates information.

Question 12

What is PRINCE?

Answer 12

PRINCE is a structured approach to project management initially designed for IS projects but broadly applicable to other types of projects.

Question 13

What is PRINCE2 and for what type of projects is it designed?

Answer 13

PRINCE2 is a project management methodology designed for a wide range of projects, not just IS projects.

Question 14

What features of PRINCE2 are beneficial for IS project management?

Answer 14

PRINCE2 includes a defined management structure, a system of plans, a set of control procedures, and a focus on product-based (deliverables-based) planning.

Question 15

What is the role of Corporate or Programme Management in PRINCE2?

Answer 15

Corporate or Programme Management sets the overall objectives for IS projects.

Question 16

What are the three main constituencies represented on the Project Board in PRINCE2?

Answer 16

The Project Board represents the Executive, the Senior User, and the Senior Supplier.

Question 17

What are the responsibilities of the Executive on the Project Board?

Answer 17

The Executive chairs the board, provides overall guidance, and represents business interests.

Question 18

Who does the Senior User represent on the Project Board?

Answer 18

The Senior User represents the business areas affected by the new system

Question 19

Who does the Senior Supplier represent on the Project Board?

Answer 19

The Senior Supplier represents the system developers.

Question 20

How can roles in PRINCE2 be adjusted based on project needs?

Answer 20

Roles can be combined or multiplied depending on the needs of the project, with the emphasis on having a decisive body that avoids becoming a debating society.

Question 21

What is the role of the Project Manager in PRINCE2?

Answer 21

The Project Manager manages daily project activities, plans, monitors, and controls the project.

Question 22

What do Team Managers do in PRINCE2?

Answer 22

Team Managers manage specific teams or stages, varying by project stage or team skill set.

Question 23

What is the purpose of Project Assurance in PRINCE2?

Answer 23

Project Assurance ensures that the project meets business objectives, user needs, and technical standards.

Question 24

What are the three types of assurance in the Project Assurance team?

Answer 24

Business Assurance, User Assurance, and Technical Assurance.

Question 25

What does Business Assurance evaluate?

Answer 25

Business Assurance evaluates the business viability of the project.

Question 26

What is the focus of User Assurance?

Answer 26

User Assurance ensures that user requirements are met.

Question 27

What does Technical Assurance ensure?

Answer 27

Technical Assurance defines and ensures adherence to technical standards.

Question 28

What is the role of the Project Support Office (PSO) in PRINCE2?

Answer 28

The PSO assists in planning, monitoring, reporting, and maintaining up-to-date plans, and can coordinate multiple projects within a program.

Question 29

What are the benefits of using PRINCE2?

Answer 29

PRINCE2 aligns projects with business objectives, ensures proper representation of interest groups, and establishes a decision-making body for project control and direction.