Governance & Roles

Who is typically accountable for the overall success of the portfolio and for securing senior commitment?

• A The portfolio director (or sponsoring senior executive) ✓
• B The portfolio progress meeting administrator
• C An individual project's team member
• D The external supplier's account manager

Answer: A senior figure such as the portfolio director provides leadership, secures commitment and is accountable for the portfolio delivering its strategic contribution.

What is the primary role of the portfolio office?

• A To deliver individual project outputs itself
• B To provide support, challenge, assurance and decision-enabling information to those running the portfolio ✓
• C To set the organisation's strategy in isolation
• D To act solely as a document archive

Answer: The portfolio office coordinates information, provides analysis and assurance, and supports governance bodies so portfolio decisions are well informed.

MoP distinguishes between two broad types of office support. Which pairing is correct?

• A A finance office and a marketing office
• B An audit office and a legal office
• C A reception office and a mailroom
• D A permanent portfolio office and temporary programme/project offices ✓

Answer: MoP recognises a relatively permanent portfolio office providing ongoing support, complemented by temporary programme and project offices supporting specific initiatives.

Which body typically makes key investment and prioritisation decisions for the portfolio?

• A A portfolio direction or investment committee made up of senior decision-makers ✓
• B A randomly selected project team
• C The most junior staff in the organisation
• D The external print supplier

Answer: A senior governance body, often called a portfolio direction group or investment committee, takes decisions on which initiatives to fund, prioritise, continue or stop.

What is the main responsibility of the portfolio manager role?

• A Negotiating staff salaries
• B Day-to-day coordination and running of the portfolio on behalf of senior management ✓
• C Writing the code for each IT project
• D Approving the corporate annual report

Answer: The portfolio manager handles the operational management and coordination of the portfolio, supporting governance bodies and the portfolio director.

Why is clear governance important in portfolio management?

• A It allows every project to act entirely independently
• B It guarantees that no risks will ever occur
• C It defines decision rights, accountability and escalation so the portfolio is directed and controlled effectively ✓
• D It removes the need for any reporting

Answer: Effective governance establishes who decides what, ensures accountability, and provides escalation routes so the portfolio is steered toward its objectives.