A PRiNCE2 project board member with overall responsibility for ensuring a project or programme meets its objectives and delivers the projected benefits.

The Executive should that the programme or project maintains business focus, has clear authority and that work in lncluding risk, is actively managed.

Project boards are chaired by the executive representing the customer.

The business case is "owned" by the executive.

PRiNCE2 makes it quite clear that the Project Board is not a democracy. The executive is responsible, with advice for making decisions, backed up by commitment from other board members.

Specific responsibilities include:-

*  Oversee development of the business case

*  Ensure coherent project organisation

*  Authorise customer expenditure

*  Sets stage tolerances

*  Check proposed changes of scope, cost or timescale are checked against possible effects on the business case

*  Organise and chair business meetings

*  Approve End Project Report

*  Approve Lessons Learned Report

*  Recommend future action if project tolerance is exceeded

*  Approve sending the Project Closure Notification to corporate or programme management.

*  ensure benefits have been realised by holding a post project review.

Essentially the Executive is responsible for ensuring the business case is made and completed within budgets and tolerances for budget and schedule.

The executive is involved in a number of processes. They centre on business assurance.

*  Validation and monitor the business case against external events and project progress

*  Monitoring project finance

*  Monitoring business risks

*  Monitoring contractor and supplier payments

*  Assessing effect of changes on the business plan

*  Monitoring stage and project progress against agreed tolerances.

Related Articles
Managing Stage Boundaries
Closing A Project
Controlling A Stage CS
Business Case
Initiating A Project