Explain the role of work objects in PRPC.

Work objects in PRPC play a crucial role as instances of case types that represent tangible units of work within the application. When a new case is initiated, a work object is created that encapsulates all the information, tasks, and processes associated with that specific instance of work. Each work object holds data and maintains its own state, allowing users and systems to manage, track, and process tasks effectively throughout the entire life cycle of a case. This functionality is essential for maintaining workflow, as it helps in organizing tasks, managing workflow routing between different users, and providing visibility into the progress of various business processes.

The other options refer to concepts that do not accurately capture the essence of a work object. For instance, while templates for creating new cases are relevant in the process of defining case types, they do not represent the ongoing instances of work that users interact with. User permissions and application configuration data are also critical aspects of PRPC, but they pertain to security and system settings rather than the core functioning of work objects. Thus, understanding work objects as active representations of case types helps clarify their fundamental role within PRPC's case management framework.