A work package allows a project manager to control when work is commencing and continues, as having people within the project team working whenever they want would be highly disorganised. This is achieved through a work package.
A work package may include extracts from the project plan, stage plan or project initiation document.
A work package should cover the work involved to create one or more products, a work package can be broken down into further products if required.
PRINCE2 suggests the following activities to authorise a work package:
✔ Examine the Stage Plan for the current management stage in order to understand products to be produced, costs and effort required and tolerances available
✔ Examine the Project Initiation Documentation in order to understand the project controls, quality standards and any products to be handed over.
✔ Define each Work Package to be authorized (or amended)
✔ Review the Work Package with the Team Manager, ensure that they have accepted it, and authorize them to begin work
