Role: Executive Sponsor
This role represents interest groups whose needs must be satisfied by the project. It is a role that may be played by anyone who is (or potentially will be) materially affected by the outcome of the project.
Relationships
Performs:Responsible for:
Additionally Performs: Modifies:
Main Description

This is a high-level business role. The Executive Sponsor is the "project champion" who is committed to the project, its approach and wants the system. The role ultimately "owns" the system and has responsibility for it. The Executive Sponsor must hold a sufficiently high position in the organisation to be able to resolve business issues (e.g. to force open closed doors) and make financial decisions. This role has a crucial responsibility to ensure and enable fast progress throughout the project, cutting through the bureaucracy and politics that impede development.

Responsibilities
  • Ensuring the decision-making process for escalated project issues is effective and rapid
  • Responding to escalated issues
  • Ensuring that funds and other resources are made available as needed
  • Monitoring the continued business case for the project
  • Commitment and availability throughout the development cycle.
Properties
Multiple Occurrences
Optional
PlannedYes
Staffing
Skills
  • Ability to commit appropriate funds and resources
  • Ability to question
  • Decisiveness
  • Political awareness
  • Business knowledge
Assignment Approaches

The Executive Sponsor role and Visionary role may often be held by the same person

More Information