If a project is to be successful it requires the correct people in place, with defined authority, responsibility and knowledge to make decisions in a timely manner.
It is imperative for a well-run project that every person involved understands and agrees who is accountable to whom for what, who is responsible for what and what the reporting and communication lines are.
PRINCE2 suggests the following steps for this activity
✔Review the Lessons Log for lessons related to the project management team structure
Design the project management team:
✔ Prepare the project management team structure
✔ Create role descriptions for the remaining Project Board roles based on the role descriptions
✔ Assess whether any members of the Project Board are likely to delegate any of their assurance responsibilities, and create the role description(s) for Project Assurance (where appropriate) based on the role description
✔ Consider whether separate individuals are likely to be needed as Team Manager or whether the Project Manager will be filling this role. If appropriate, create role descriptions for the Team Manager based on the role description
✔ Consider whether the Project Manager will be performing the Project Support role or whether a separate individual will be required. If this role is to be delegated, create the role description for the Project Support role based on the role description
✔ Confirm the reporting and communication lines within the role descriptions
Appoint the project management team:
✔ Estimate the time and effort required by each of the roles identified (this will be refined later)
✔ Identify candidates for each of the roles, and propose the most appropriate people for them:
✔ It may be appropriate to undertake an analysis of the stakeholders in order to identify suitable candidates for the roles
✔ It is possible that candidates may not be known at this time, in which case they will need to be selected later. This is particularly true if Team Managers are to be sourced from subcontractors
✔ Consider whether identified candidates match the competencies required of the role and, if not, whether any training or support (e.g. coaching) is required
✔ Confirm the selected people's availability (if they are known), their understanding and acceptance of the roles, and their commitment to carry them out
✔ Assign the selected people to each of the roles identified and confirm the appointment with corporate or programme management
✔ If any risks are identified, add them to the Daily Log.
