Role

Manage Issues (Medium Projects)

1

Project Manager

Identify the problem

Solicit potential issues from any project stakeholders, including the project team, clients, sponsors, etc. Potential issues should be documented in writing to the project manager through a short Issues Form (optional) or email.

2

Project Manager

Determine if the problem is really an issue

The project manager determines whether the problem can be resolved or whether it should be classified as an issue.

3

Project Manager

Enter the issue into the Issues Log

If it is an issue, the project manager enters the issue into the Issues Log for tracking purposes.

4

Project Manager, Sponsor

Determine who needs to be involved in the resolution

The project manager determines who needs to be involved in resolving the issue. The sponsor may be involved, or the sponsor may not have the expertise to assist in the resolution process. For instance, the resolution may require technical or legal staff. The problem may be contractual and require resolution from the Purchasing Department. However, at some point the alternatives will be discussed and a resolution will be made. It is important to understand up-front who needs to be involved in making this final issue resolution.

5

Project Manager, Team Member

Assign to team member for analysis and alternatives

The project manager assigns the issue to a project team member for investigation (the project manager could assign it to himself or herself). The team member will investigate options that are available to resolve the issue. For each option, the team member should also estimate the impact to the project in terms of budget, schedule and scope.

6

Project Manager, Sponsor, Stakeholders

Gain agreement on resolution

The project manager takes the issue, alternatives and project impact to the project sponsor and other appropriate stakeholders for discussion and resolution. The project manager may want to make a recommendation from among the alternatives as well.

7

Project Manager

Document the resolution

The project manager documents the resolution and course of action in the Issues Log. If an Issues Form was utilized, it should be closed and filed.

8

Project Manager

Add action plan to the schedule

Once a resolution is agreed upon, the appropriate corrective activities are added to the schedule to ensure the issue is resolved.

9

Project Manager

Update Abbreviated Charter, if necessary

If the resolution of an issue causes the budget, effort or duration of the project to change, the current Abbreviated Project Charter should be updated.

10

Project Manager

Communicate through the Status Report

The project manager communicates issue status and resolutions to project team members and other appropriate stakeholders through the methods established in the Communications Plan, including the project Status Report.