PRINCE2 Method | PRINCE2 Methodology (CCTA)

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What is the PRINCE2 Methodology?

The PRINCE2 project management method focuses on organization, management and control. Originally developed in 1989 by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) in the UK as a standard for IT project management, it is now widely used and is the "de facto" standard in the UK for project management. The latest version of the method, "PRINCE2", is a generic approach of project management, which is used for both IT and non IT projects.
 

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is process-based, providing tailoring and scaleable changes towards effective management of projects. Each process is defined with: key inputs and outputs, objectives to be achieved, and activities to be carried out.

 
The method divides projects into manageable stages to encourage efficient control of resources and regular progress monitoring. PRINCE2 is "product-based", meaning the project plans are focused on delivering results, and not simply planning when activities are done. It is driven by the project's business case which should describe the justification, commitment and rationale for the deliverables or outcome. The business case should be reviewed to ensure the objectives are appropriate and are realized. It also provides a common language across a project and provides breakpoints within a contractual framework.
 

Origin of PRINCE2. History

Originally developed in 1989 by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) in the UK as a standard for IT project management.  CCTA was renamed to OGC (the Office of Government Commerce). The method was originally based on PROMPT, a project management method created by Simpact Systems Ltd in 1975. PROMPT was adopted by CCTA in 1979 as the standard to be used for all Government information system projects. When PRINCE was launched in 1989, it effectively superseded PROMPT within Government projects.

Usage of the PRINCE2 method. Applications

• All sorts of project management
• Both IT and non IT based projects

Steps in the PRINCE2 framework. Process

1. Directing a Project. Steps that Project Board members should take to provide effective support and steerage without excessive time commitment.
2. Starting Up a Project. How to qualify initial ideas and appoint a Project Board representing User, Supplier and Business interests.
3. Initiating a Project. How to fully qualify a project to ensure it is likely to meet its ultimate objectives, ensuring organizational buy in before major commitment of resources.
4. Controlling a Stage. The day to day steps a project manager should take to manage work, react to events and escalate major issues.
5. Managing Product Delivery. The steps teams should take to agree work packages, report on their progress, and deliver completed work.
6. Managing Stage Boundaries. How to prepare for Project Board reviews when progress and future plans are discussed, and out of tolerance conditions handled.
7. Closure. How to close down a project, how to handle follow on actions, how to handle post project benefit reviews.
8. Planning. How to plan, irrespective of when the planning is done.

Strengths of the PRINCE2 methodology. Benefits

• Structured method providing a standard approach to the management of projects, embodying proven and established good practices in project management.
• Being widely recognized and understood it provides a common language for project participants.
• Provides control in use of resources and to manage risk.
• Enables projects to have:
  • Controlled and organized start, middle and end;
  • Regular reviews of progress to plan and to Business Case;
  • Flexible decision points;
  • Automatic managerial control of any deviations from plan;
  • Involvement of management and stakeholders at appropriate points;
  • Encourages communication channels between the project, project management, and stakeholders.
• Brings benefits to individual projects, including:
  • Definition of roles and responsibilities at each level;
  • Reduced meetings and bureaucracy, through management by exception;
  • Appropriate levels of planning from high level long-term to low-level immediate term;
  • Separation of management activities from technical activities;
  • A better appreciation of project risks by all concerned;
  • Ways of managing changes, to reduce risk.

Limitations of PRINCE2. Disadvantages

• PRINCE2 does not cover contract management or people management. These are however covered by the bodies of knowledge from both PMI (the USA professional body) and APM (in the UK)

Assumptions of the PRINCE2 methodology. Conditions

• Projects are more successful when managed using a methodology.

Book: Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 - 2005 Edition

Forum Forum discussions about PRINCE2 (Project Management). 🔥 Other Strengths of PRINCE2 I think PRINCE2 also defines a clear governance structure which is missing from PMI and APM. Governance removes the natural conflict of interest a PM may have to persist with projects, even though th... 86   Start a new topic about PRINCE2 (Project Management) Sign up for free

Courses about PRINCE2 (Project Management). Beginners Course Advanced Course Course for Experts

Expert Tips Advanced insights about PRINCE2 (Project Management). Here you will find professional advices by experts. Consultancy Tips Teaching Tips Practical Implementation Tips What Benefits can I Achieve in my Organization with PRINCE2? Benefits of PRINCE2 Implementations, Best Practices Prince2 is a system that can provide companies with substantial improvements in many aspects of their projects managemen... The Importance of Self-awareness for Project Managers Professional Development, Personal Development, Project Management, Ethics, Beliefs, Values, Emotional Intelligence Self-awareness is how an individual consciously knows and understands their own character, feelings, motives, and desire... What Kind of Projects are Suitable for PRINCE2 Implementation? Suitability of PRINCE2, Project Portfolio Management A PRINCE2 project has the following characteristics: 1. A finite and defined life cycle 2. Defined and measurable bus... Types of PRINCE2 Certificates PRINCE2 Certification, PRINCE2 Levels There are two types of PRINCE2 certificates: the Foundation and Practitioner certificates: 1. The Foundation exam objec...

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding PRINCE2 (Project Management). Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Prince2 versus PMBOK Project Management, Project Portfolio Management A short comparison between Prince2 and PMBOK Methodologies.... Project Scope Management Project Scope Management, Project Deliverables, Project Planning, Work Breakdown Structure, WBS Presentation about project scope management, including the following sections: 1. Learning objectives 2. What is proje... First Introduction to Project Management. Essentials Project Management Primer, Project Management 101, Basics of Project Management This presentation provides a good first introduction to project management and how to more efficiently implement and exe... Three-sphere Model for (IT) Project Management Project Management, OPM, OPM3, PRINCE2 An important model in project management is the so-called Three-sphere model, which aims to help organizations to organi... Project Management of Information Technology Projects Project Management, Information Technology, Three Sphere Model This presentation provides information about project management, thereby especially focusing on a context of information... History of Project Management Overview of the Development of Project Management Overview of the development of Project Management. - Project management in ancient history Examples of one-time projec... Introduction to Project Quality Management Quality Management, Project Quality Planning, Project Quality Assurance, Project Quality Control Presentation about Project Quality Management. A large part of the presentation is about Six Sigma as a quality manageme... Introduction to Project Risk Management Understanding the Importance of Project Risk Management Project Management is Risk Management. From maintaining the customer relationship to protecting the critical path. The c...

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