PRINCE2

PRINCE2 continues to evolve with the launch of the latest revision on 16th June. The method has been revised based on public consultation and extensive review and has evolved to address the modern project environment. This has resulted in two publications:

1. Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2  - the evolution of the method
2. Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2  - a new core publication for the project executive and the project board.

Projects bring together resources, skills, technology and ideas to achieve business objectives and deliver business benefits. Good project management helps to ensure that risks are identified and managed appropriately, and objectives and benefits are achieved within budget, within time and to the required quality.

PRINCE2 is recognised as a world-class international product and is the standard method for project management, not least because it embodies many years of good practice in project management and provides a flexible and adaptable approach to suit all projects. It is a project management method designed to provide a framework covering the wide variety of disciplines and activities required within a project. The focus throughout PRINCE2 is on the Business Case, which describes the rationale and business justification for the project. The Business Case drives all the project management processes, from initial project set-up through to successful finish.

Many organisations are employing the skills and services of external suppliers, working alongside in-house resources, to enhance their ability to deliver successful projects. PRINCE2 provides a mechanism to harness these resources and enable the team to integrate and work together effectively on a project.

Overview

PRINCE2 is a generic, tailorable, simple to follow project management method.  It covers how to organise, manage and control your projects.  It is aimed at enabling you to successfully deliver the right products, on time and within budget. As a Project manager you can apply the principles of PRINCE2 and the associated training to any type of project. It will help you to manage risk, control quality and change effectively, as well as make the most of challenging situations and opportunities that arise within a project.

  • A PRINCE2 project has the following characteristics:
  • Continued business justification
  • Learning from experience
  • Defined roles and responsibilities
  • Managed by stages
  • Managed by exception
  • Focuses on products and their quality
  • Tailored to suit the particular product environment

PRINCE2 does not cover all aspects of project management.  Areas such as leadership and people management skills, detailed coverage of project management tools and techniques are well covered by other existing and proven methods and are therefore excluded from PRINCE2.