On Projects*

In other methods the Project Executive maybe referred to as the (Steering Committee) Chairperson, Project Owner or Project Sponsor however the roles are required to perform a similar functions – project governance. 

Note: The Project Executive owns & governs the project; the project manager runs the project.  This governance vs. management distinction is not dissimilar to the relationship between the Board of Directors (Chairman) and the CEO of a company.

The Project Executive is probably the single most important role in a project.  In other methodologies the Project Executive can act alone or form a steering committee whose function is not dissimilar to the PRINCE2 Project Board but ultimately he/she must fulfill three key roles:

• Business Leader
• Change Agent
• Decision Maker

The Executive’s role is crucial in determining the overall success of the project. He/she ensures, (a) the business need is being addressed and champions the Project to Corporate/Programme Management; (b) the right Project Board and PM team is appointed; (c) review the project regularly, authorizing expenditure for the next stage or changes to plan; (d) ensures the project remains aligned with the organisation’s strategic plan; and (e) has the authority to resolve project issues that exceed the PM’s delegation.

Without a committed Project Executive your project will be a car crash happening in slow motion.

Filed under: PRINCE2, Templates Tagged: | Management, PMBOK Resources, PRINCE2, Project Board, Project Executive, Project Governance, Project Management, Project Steering Committee, Project Tools, Senior Supplier, Senior User, Starting Up a Project, template, Terms of Reference, Toolkit