I sometimes get asked about Prince2 and what is the benefit of becoming accredited. I believe that it is an important and useful methodology provided it is carefully tailored to the size, complexity and risk of the project. Here is a brief guide that provides the headlines of what Prince2 is.
What is Prince2?
- A non-proprietary, generic methodology for managing projects
- It can be used on any project regardless of scale, type, organisation, geography or culture
- It can tailored to suit any project regardless of scale, type, organisation and so on
- It is designed to control Costs, Timescales, Quality, Scope, Risk, Benefits
What Prince2 does not provide?
- Specialist aspects, i.e. industry specific or project type specific tools
- Detailed techniques, i.e. use of Microsoft Project, meeting technique
- Leadership capability, i.e. leadership, motivational and other interpersonal skills
What comprises Prince 2?
- 7 principles
- 7 themes
- 7 processes
What are the Prince2 ‘Principles’?
These are the 7 principles that underpin each stage, tool and document in Prince2.
- Continued business justification
- Learn from experience
- Defined roles and responsibilities
- Manage by stages
- Manage by exception
- Focus on deliverables (or ‘products’ in Prince2 terminology)
- Tailor to suit the project environment
What are the Prince2 ‘Themes’?
These are the 7 themes that run through each stage, tool and document in Prince2.
- Business Case – Why?
- Organisation – Who?
- Quality – What?
- Plans – How? How much? When?
- Risk – What if?
- Change – What’s the impact of?
- Progress – Where are we now? Where are we going? Should we carry on?
What are the Prince2 ‘Processes’?
These are the 7 processes that are used to manage the project.
- Starting up a project (SUP)
- Initiating a project (IP)
- Directing a project
- Managing a stage boundary (MSB)
- Controlling a stage
- Managing product delivery
- Closing a project (CP)
This is how the processes flow:
I run projects to the methodology but ensure it heavily tailored to the type of project to maximise its effectiveness and ensure the most efficient use of time and effort.