Deliver quality products, on time and within budget with PRINCE2.

Overview

PRINCE2 is a project management methodology that provides a structure for the management, control and organisation of a project. In this basic introduction we explain how PRINCE2 can be applied to help managers ensure their projects are delivered on time, to budget and with an end result that delivers benefits and meets the project's stakeholders' expectations. A major revision of the method was completed in 2009.

Origins

PRINCE2 is a project management methodology owned and maintained by the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC). Although its roots are in government information technology it summarises best practice from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds, and its successful application to different types and scales of project has seen its popularity grow to become the de facto standard for project management in the UK. PRINCE2's proven success in managing a diverse range of projects has seen it spread organically across the globe where it has been readily adopted by private and public organisations alike. As a result PRINCE2 is now used actively in over 50 countries worldwide.

Objectives

Projects exist throughout organisations, ranging from small departmental activities such as organising a team away day, to critical company wide activities such as the introduction of a new computer system. Whatever the topic, PRINCE2 promotes that all projects should have a clear beginning, middle and end, a clear organisational structure and defined objectives. The project organisation structure makes it clear to everyone what the different project roles are, who is to carry them out and where responsibilities lie. Most importantly everyone involved should understand their role in achieving the project's objectives. Once these objectives have been met the project ends providing an opportunity to assess what was done well and what could be improved. At an appropriate time afterwards a post project review is conducted to measure the project's success at meeting the defined, measurable business benefits.

PRINCE2 2009 FAQs

Benefits

Using the PRINCE2 method the following key features can be built into your projects:

Focus on outcomes

• A clearly defined Business Case
• Clearly identified objectives and roles.

Plans

• Documentation of plans, procedures, project requirements and important learning
• Defined project management parameters
• Flexible decision points
• Proper and clear start, middle and end of project.

Governance

• Involvement of management and stakeholders at the right time and place during the project
• Automatic management control of any deviations from the project plan.

Controls

• A controlled project environment with realistic estimations and defined tolerances
• Timely identification and management of risks
• Standardisation with your organisation, between your customers and with your suppliers.

Quality

• Good communication through shared vocabulary
• Achievement of desired quality in produced work.

"[PRINCE2 is] the clearest description and methodology for project control that I have seen."
Mark Roberts, Balance Agri-Nutrients

Principles and processes

PRINCE2 is a process-based structure for the management of all types and size of project. The methodology outlines eight processes, eight components and three techniques that can be used to successfully execute a project.

The seven processes are:

• Starting up a Project
• Directing a Project
• Initiating a Project
• Controlling a Stage
• Managing Stage Boundaries
• Managing Product Delivery
• Closing a Project.

Some key concepts that are fundamental to PRINCE2 are outlined below.

• Business Case
• Control
• Quality Management and Control
• Lesson Learned
• Risk Management.

'I encourage anyone wanting to get a better understanding of project management to take this course – it will change your mind forever about how to handle your projects!'
Andrew Paul, IMIC Developments Limited, General Manager

How CC Learning (CC Learning) can help you

As an Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) for PRINCE2 we can help you assess your project management needs and select the training course that's both right for both you and your organisation. Please contact us to assess your current project management approach and training needs. For more information about CC Learning services see consulting.

'[CC Learning's PRINCE2 training is the] only course I have attended that adds real and immediate value back at the workplace. I could immediately implement positive change having attended the course.'
Sarah Thirlwall, Counties Manukau District Health Board, Programme Manager