There would be chaos if people started work activities just when they felt like it without approval.
There will be a level of autonomy within the teams but there are likely to be issues that individuals may be unaware of that may have an impact on the work involved and the resource required.
Hence, it is important that Work Packages only begin with the consent of the Project Manager.
This sub-process will be running throughout the stage.
It interfaces with Managing Product Delivery (MP) which handles the production of the products involved and provides plan updates to
In addition, the process Taking Corrective action (CS7) may trigger new Work Packages or require modification to existing Work Packages.
The objective is to maintain control over the work of the team(s) by:
The set of instructions issued to the Team Manager is called a Work Package.
To achieve the objectives various steps are needed:
The work here could be carried out within the customer organisation, outside suppliers or by a combination of the two.
This could involve the supply of products or services that do not require any actual effort.
The steps apply just the same.
This sub-process must be done in conjunction with Accepting a Work Package (MP1).
There will be an overlap with the Team Manager on dates and other parameters.
For the first Work Package agreed the Project Manager should check that the Team Manager understands the change control procedures.
The Project Manager is responsible for this sub-process assisted by any Project Support roles and in agreement with the relevant Team Managers.
The Configuration Librarian will update the Configuration Item Records. Project Assurance might wish to confirm that suitable quality checking arrangements have been planned.
Management information | Usage | Explanation |
---|---|---|
Authorisation to proceed | Input | Authorisation from the Project Board to proceed with the stage. |
Product Description(s) | Input | Description of the required product(s), including quality criteria. |
Work trigger | Input | Information from Authorising a Project (DP2), Authorising a Stage or Exception Plan (DP3), Taking Corrective Action (CS7) or Reviewing Stage Status (CS5)requiring the creation or modification of a new Work Package. |
Stage or Exception Plan | Update | The Stage Plan may need to be updated as a result of discussions between the Project Manager and the Team Manager during Authorising Work Package (CS1)or because of changes generated in Taking Corrective Action (CS). |
Configuration Item Records | Update | Change the status of any products allocated as part of the Work Package. |
Work Package | Output | Formal handover of responsibility for the detailed conduct of the work and delivery of any products from the Project Manager following agreement with the Team Manager. |
Risk Log | Update | Updated with any new or modified risks after negotiation with the Team Manager. |
Quality Log | Update | The Quality Log may need to be updated as a result of discussions between the Project Manager and the Team Manager during Authorising Work Package (CS1)to reflect any modification of entries for any planned quality checking to be done. |
Product Checklist | Update | (If used) The Product Checklist may need to be updated as a result of discussions between the Project Manager during Authorising Work Package (CS1) or because of changes generated in Taking Corrective Action (CS7). |
Issue Log | Update | Update with any actions taken on Project Issues. |
These are given in tabular form in the file ‘CS1 authorising work package.doc’ in the product package.
For many small projects Work Package authorisation may be informal although it is useful to record an individuals work and performance for appraisal purposes.
Work Package authorisation should always be documented when third parties are involved.
It becomes difficult if a Work Package spreads over more then one stage.
If this is likely to be the case it should be broken down into parts that fit easily into each stage.
It is good practice for those receiving the products from Work Packages to get involved with writing the Product Descriptions and especially the quality criteria. If this is the case, they should be reviewed by others.
If there is a contract in operation between the customer and supplier, this may have an impact on the terms of the authorisation.
The reverse is also true, so the authorisation of Work Packages should be considered during contract preparation.
When a Work Package is negotiated with a Team Manager or team member the Project Manager should make sure the change control procedures are understood.