Giving ad hoc direction is an important aspect of a Project Board member’s role, providing opportunities to support the Project Manager, communicate and delegate effectively (consistent with the duties and behaviours listed in the section covering ‘Project Board duties and behaviours’).
Project Board members can provide direction individually or collectively.
The purpose of this activity is to ensure that there is a consistent and thorough mutual understanding between the Project Board, the Project Manager, Project Assurance and the external stakeholders throughout the project’s life.
It is to be expected that on occasions the Project Manager will wish to clarify the interpretation of key aspects of the project (e.g. Scope, quality requirements, the impact of external changes) with Project Board members (and vice versa).
The extent of giving ad hoc direction is a matter of judgement - an experienced Project Manager should not require continual direction or reassurance; but allowances should be made for less-experienced Project Managers or those unfamiliar with the particular type of project concerned.
All references above are in Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2® unless stated otherwise.
PRINCE2® is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries.