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PRINCE2 Methodology
PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE) is a project management method. It covers the management, control and organisation of a project. "PRINCE2" refers to the second major version of this method launched in 1996 and is a registered trademark of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC). PRINCE2 is currently on it’s 5th edition/revision which is widely known as PRINCE2 2009.PRINCE2 has become increasingly popular and is now a de facto standard for project management in the UK.
PRINCE2 Positives
PRINCE2 is a structured approach to project management. It provides a method for managing projects within a clearly defined framework. PRINCE2 describes procedures to coordinate people and activities in a project, how to design and supervise the project, and what to do if the project has to be adjusted if it doesn’t develop as planned. In the method each process is specified with its key inputs and outputs and with specific goals and activities to be carried out, which gives an automatic control of any deviations from the plan.
Divided into manageable stages, the method enables an efficient control of resources. On the basis of close monitoring the project can be carried out in a controlled and organised way. Being a structured method widely recognised and understood PRINCE2 provides a common language for all participants in the project. The various management roles and responsibilities involved in a project are fully described and are adaptable to suit the complexity of the project and skills of the organisation.
PRINCE2 Negatives
PRINCE2 is sometimes incorrectly considered inappropriate for very small projects, due to the work required in creating and maintaining documents. However, this may often be because of poor implementation: PRINCE2 is fully scalable.
PRINCE2 Processes
PRINCE2 is a process driven Methodology using seven PRINCE2 processes:
- Starting Up a Project
- Initiating a Project
- Directing a Project
- Managing a Stage Boundary
- Controlling a Stage
- Managing Product Delivery
- Closing a Project
PRINCE2 Principles
PRINCE2 projects should always subscribe to the following seven PRINCE2 principles:
- Continued business justification
- Learn from experience
- Defined roles and responsibilities
- Manage by stages
- Manage by exception
- Focus on products
- Tailor to suit the project environment
PRINCE2 Themes
PRINCE2 projects have seven themes. These are aspects which should be addressed continually for a project to be successful:
- Business Case
- Organisation
- Quality
- Plans
- Risk
- Change
- Progress
The PRINCE2 methodology is a great way to structure your project and provides an unambiguous setting where requirements and responsibilities can be clearly communicated between the project team and other stakeholders.
This can be complex though and it it is essential that organisations have a tool kit to help them manage this complexity. PRINCE2 Software like PROJECT in a box is a significant help here and there is even free PRINCE2 Software to help you get started.
PRINCE2 Resources
The following links allow you to explore some of the PRINCE2 areas:
Or why not find out more about other project and programme methodologies:
Managing Successful Programmes
PMI/PMBok
PRINCE2©
Methodology
All PROJECT in a box versions provide these very popular pre scaled PRINCE2 methods which are suitable for smaller less complex projects.
Community Edition is free software to use as long as you want. Download here.
With the commercial packages you can also personalise/customise your methods.
Product Focus (click icon for full info)