Project sponsor
The project sponsor provides senior ownership and governance of a project’s business justification. The sponsor supports decisions and resources, maintains alignment with organisational objectives, addresses escalated matters and remains accountable for the continuing validity of the business case and intended benefits under the organisation’s arrangements. The sponsor works with the project manager but does not normally replace the manager’s day-to-day coordination of delivery.
Worked example
A system project can still deliver its original specification, but a regulatory change has removed much of the expected benefit. The sponsor reviews whether the business case remains valid and whether the organisation should continue, change or stop the project.
Common mistake
The sponsor is not merely the person who pays the invoices. A project delivered to specification can still fail to produce a worthwhile business outcome.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | SBL | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |