Overview

This process could occur at any stage within a project. It gives the Project Manager the opportunity to address any project issues with the Project Board including:

• When an important decision is to be made
• Project issue
• Clarification of programme direction
• Internal personal or project conflict
• An external influence.

The Project Board might also address the Project Manager for example:

• Changes in Corporate or Programme strategy
• Personnel appointments
• Changes in the Project Board.

These informal meetings allow a buffer between the Project Manager undertaking day to day management, and corporate involvement in the project. Formalised updates to the Board are made via highlight reports. While exceptional circumstances are relayed via Exception Report.

It is the responsibility of the Project Board to be available to give ad hoc advice to the Project Manager and to inform corporate or Programme Management of any issues raised. If there are changes to the Project Board these should also be relayed to the Project Manager.

Method links

Tips

• Ensure that Project Board members have the time to commit to giving ad hoc guidance.
• Highlight Reports should be treated seriously by the Project Board and provided on time (as defined in the Communications Plan) by the Project Manager.
• Issues include Request for Change and Off-Specification.

Notes

• Outlines the advice and direction to the Project Manager by the Project Board
• Things to discuss include:
  • Project Board changes
  • Risk
  • Request for Change
  • Statement of concern
  • Off-Specification requests
  • Project Issues.
• This can be useful at any point in the project
• Highlight Reports from the Project Manager keeps the Project Board formally up-to-date

Case studies and examples

Related links

• Search our forum for 'DP4 Giving ad hoc Direction'
• Take our DP - Directing a Project - Quiz
• DP Directing a Project
• Programme Management
• SB2 Updating a Project Plan.