Commissioning

In PRINCE2, the commissioning party, also known as the business level, sits above the project board and ensures the project aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. The commissioning party is responsible for providing the project mandate, which can define the project’s purpose, objectives, and scope. They also identify the project executive who will lead the project on behalf of the business.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of the business level (commissioning):

• Approve the project mandate: The commissioning party provides the project mandate, which authorizes the initiation of the project and sets the framework for what needs to be achieved.
• Define project level tolerances: They define the project-level tolerances within which the project board will operate. These tolerances provide the project board with the authority to manage the project, while any deviations beyond these limits require escalation to the business level.
• Authorize breach of tolerances: If a potential breach of a project level tolerance is forecasted, the commissioning party determines whether to authorize it. This ensures that strategic business objectives are considered before deciding on any significant changes or risks to the project.
• Ensure continued business justification: The commissioning party ensures that the project remains aligned with the business case they wish to continue to deliver value to the organization throughout its lifecycle.
• Provide resource allocation and strategic oversight: They ensure that the necessary resources (funding, personnel, etc.) are available for the project. They also offer strategic guidance to maintain alignment with the organization’s long-term goals.
• Escalate major issues: If significant risks or issues exceed the authority of the project board, the commissioning party steps in to make decisions. This ensures the project stays on track and aligned with business priorities.

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Written by Frank Turley.

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