PRINCE2 Project Management Basics
Short summary of PRINCE2
PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a widely-used project management method that provides a flexible and adaptable framework for managing projects of all sizes and complexities. This methodology is particularly popular in the UK and Europe, and is widely recognized as a best practice approach to project management.
The key principle of PRINCE2 is the separation of the project into manageable and controllable stages. This allows for better control over the project, and enables the project team to make informed decisions about the direction of the project. The methodology also places strong emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of the project team, and on the use of management products to help plan, monitor and control the project.
Structure of PRINCE2
1. Principles 7 core concepts that the rest of PRINCE2 adheres to. If a project management team is not practicing all of the principles, it is NOT a PRINCE2 project.
2. Processes 7 Processes — set of activities showing how to manage various parts of a project
3. Themes 7 themes on How PRINCE2 recommends carrying out various aspects of project management.
4. Project Environment Specific context in which the project is being delivered, including the organizational structure, the culture, and the external factors that may impact the project.
Principles of PRINCE2
- Continued business justification: The project must be justified in terms of its contribution to the organization’s business goals.
- Learn from experience: The project should learn from past successes and failures and incorporate those lessons into the project management approach.
- Define roles and responsibilities: Clear roles and responsibilities should be defined for all project stakeholders.
The project management team structure and the associated roles are first set out in the project brief and then in the project initiation documentation (PID). The communication management approach describes how the communication between these people will be managed. - Manage by stages: The project should be divided into manageable stages, with defined objectives, deliverables, and acceptance criteria for each stage.
- Manage by exception: The project should be managed at a high level, with decisions made by exception when they deviate from the project plan.
- Focus on products: The project should focus on delivering specific products, rather than activities or tasks.
- Tailor to suit the project environment: The project management approach should be tailored to the specific needs and constraints of the project.
Processes of PRINCE2
The PRINCE2 project management method is broken down into seven stages, each with its own specific objectives and deliverables. These stages are:
- Starting up a project: This stage focuses on defining the project’s objectives, and creating a project brief.
- Directing a project: This stage focuses on setting up the project governance and management structure, and on appointing the project manager.
- Initiating a project: This stage focuses on creating a project plan, and on identifying the risks and issues that may impact the project.
- Controlling a stage: This stage focuses on monitoring and controlling the project, and on making decisions about the direction of the project.
- Managing product delivery: This stage focuses on delivering the project’s products, and on ensuring that they meet the project’s objectives.
- Managing a stage boundary: This stage focuses on reviewing the progress of the project, and on making decisions about whether to continue with the project or to close it down.
- Closing a project: This stage focuses on closing down the project, and on documenting the lessons learned for future projects.
PRINCE2 also includes a set of management products that are used to plan, monitor and control the project. These products include the project plan, the project brief, the stage plan, the risk log, the issue log, and the quality plan.
Themes of PRINCE2
- Business Case: This theme establishes the case for the project, including its goals and objectives, and outlines the benefits that will be delivered.
- Organization: This theme defines the roles and responsibilities of the project team and stakeholders, as well as the governance and management structure of the project.
- Quality: This theme outlines the quality management approach that will be used throughout the project, including the processes and procedures for ensuring that the project delivers what is required.
- Plans: This theme covers the planning and control of the project, including the development of the project plan, the management of risks and issues, and the monitoring and controlling of progress.
- Risk: This theme covers the identification and management of risks throughout the project.
- Change: This theme covers the management of changes to the project’s scope, schedule, and budget.
- Progress: This theme covers the monitoring and control of progress throughout the project, including the management of issues and risks, and the reporting of progress to stakeholders.
PRINCE2 is a flexible and adaptable methodology that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of any project. It is widely recognized as a best practice approach to project management, and is a valuable tool for anyone involved in managing projects.
In conclusion, PRINCE2 is a widely used project management method that provides a flexible and adaptable framework for managing projects of all sizes and complexities. It is broken down into seven stages, each with its own specific objectives and deliverables, and it also includes a set of management products that are used to plan, monitor and control the project. With its emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, PRINCE2 is a valuable tool for anyone involved in managing projects and it can be tailored to suit the specific needs of any project.
References:
- PRINCE2. Retrieved from https://www.prince2.com/
- PRINCE2 Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.axelos.com/best-practice-solutions/prince2