How to guide
Introduction
A Programme Issues Log is an essential tool in programme management, used to document and track any problems or obstacles that arise during the execution of a programme. By maintaining a detailed log, programme managers can ensure that issues are promptly addressed, properly managed, and resolved to minimize their impact on the programme's success.
Purpose
The primary purpose of a Programme Issues Log is to provide a structured approach for identifying, documenting, and managing issues that may hinder the progress of a programme. It helps ensure that all issues are tracked, monitored, and resolved in a timely and efficient manner, thus supporting the overall success of the programme.
Key Components
- Issue ID: A unique identifier for each action item to ensure easy tracking and reference.
- Created: The timestamp of when the action was first created.
- Category: Risk category to allow filtering on action types or meetings.
- Issue Description: A detailed explanation of the issue, providing enough context to understand its importance and relevance.
- Impact Description: A description of the impact of the risk on the programme.
- Update: An update on the progress of the action or additional notes or comments related to the issue, such as updates on progress, challenges encountered, or any other relevant information.
- Criticality: An assessment of the urgency and severity of the issue (e.g., High, Medium, Low).
- Score: Mathematical evaluation the issue criticality.
- Owner: The individual or team responsible for carrying out the action. This ensures clear ownership and accountability.
- Due Date: The deadline by which the action must be completed. This helps in prioritising tasks and managing timelines effectively. Due dates should be contracted with the owner and should not be changed.
- Priority: Identification of actions that are high priority or need to be escalated through other governance forums.
- Days: The days until the target date for the action closure.
- Report: A flag to determine if the risk should be included in reporting.
- Closed: A timestamp when the action is closed.
Benefits
- Proactive Problem-Solving: Enables early identification and resolution of issues, reducing the likelihood of disruptions.
- Enhanced Communication: Facilitates clear communication among team members and stakeholders by providing a centralized record of issues.
- Improved Accountability: Assigns responsibility for managing issues, ensuring they are actively monitored and addressed.
- Efficient Management: Supports systematic tracking and resolution of issues, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the programme.
By maintaining a well-organized Programme Issues Log, programme managers can effectively track and manage issues, ensuring that potential problems are promptly addressed and resolved, leading to a more successful programme delivery.
Projectoolkit | Issues Log
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