PROJECT Management explored

The PRINCE2 method is a set of balanced processes, principles and themes which are designed to pull together to keep a project on track to deliver its business case.

When used as intended the method is undoubtedly successful at helping the delivery of a good project.  If though the method is scaled/tailored badly for a smaller or less complex project or implemented poorly with users failing to follow parts of the method, or favouring one part over another, balance is lost and unintended consequences can occur.

One of the common ones we see and hear about is a weak or non existent Project Assurance.  It is not unusual to hear of project boards who lack the time or experience to undertake their own assurance and many organisations don't have the project support capability to fulfil the role or don't budget appropriately  for it.  I tend to think of the balance of project Assurance as 'management by exception' and if the PM and team follow this principle with a hands off project board and little or no project assurance the problem project can easily run away.

A good project manager or a straight forward project which doesn't face challenges can still deliver effectively in these situations.  Such seeming success can paper over the cracks so that the problem when it occurs is more of a shock and may have gone much further before it is recognised or seriously tackled as the human nature in the project team often try to sort it out them selves before escalating their issues to the board.

Project assurance can be thought of like insurance the short-sighted person may consider it an overhead when times are good but it is there for when times are not so good, when resourcing and supporting it properly will seem like a very good decision.  PROJECT in a box can help with project assurance providing strong project processes which helps the project board themselves spot signs that processes are not being followed well or enables more project assurance to be done with less resource by a PSO.  Helping you deliver with confidence.