Prince2, a royal method for staying in control of your project management
Are you a project manager in training, a beginner or an experienced trainee? Are you interested in Prince2? Are you considering training in this project management method and would like to gain a better understanding of how it works?
Among the many existing project management methodologies, such as Agile or Waterfall, it's sometimes hard to know which one to choose! And yet your aim is the same: to structure your projects more effectively and lead your team towards productivity and convincing results.
Very popular worldwide, the Prince2 method is within everyone's reach. Find out more about how it works, its features and its benefits, before embarking on your certification!
What is Prince2?
Definition of the Prince2 method
Prince2 is an abbreviation of PRojects IN Controlled Environments. The number 2 simply refers to version 2 of the method.
Prince2 is a project management method that is particularly well-suited to complex, constrained environments. It is "a structured project management and certification method that focuses on three points: project organization, management and control " (Prince2 according to Wikipedia).
A brief history of Prince2
- Born in the UK in the 1970s, the method was first used in IT project management.
- It was renamed PRINCE2 when a new version of the method was published in 1996.
- In 2009, it was revised by the British organization OCG (Organization of Governmental Commerce) to take a more general approach, rather than one restricted to web projects.
- The method became applicable to the management of all types of projects when it was most recently updated in 2017 by AXELOS, the company that owns the Prince2 trademark.
- Today, it is widely used in Europe, in both the private and public sectors.
How Prince2 works
To give you an idea of how Prince2 works, let's start by pointing out that it remains accessible, whatever the project manager's level of expertise. There are no prerequisites.
Only two exams are required for certification:
- PRINCE2® Foundation,
- and the PRINCE2® Practitioner.
The Prince2 method provides a solid methodological foundation in the following areas:
- project management,
- role allocation,
- project breakdown,
- establishing validation milestones, etc.
💡 Passing the certification attests that you have understood how the method works, but does not validate the knowledge that project managers must hold.
How does Prince2 certification work?
PRINCE2 certification consists of two stages:
- PRINCE2® Foundation certification: this is a one-hour test with a 75-question MCQ;
- PRINCE2® Practitioner certification: a 2.5-hour examination with an 8-question MCQ, each comprising 10 questions. The manual is authorized.
Prince2 features under the microscope
The Prince2 method offers a clear reference framework covering all the dimensions of project management, to ensure the control and efficiency of projects.
It is based on 3 axes, each of which is broken down into 7 key characteristics.
Axis 1 - the 7 principles
The 7 principles set out here are the rules to be followed when managing projects according to the framework defined by the method. Their application is required to qualify a project as "Prince2 ":
- Ongoing justification of the project's raison d'être,
- Capitalize on acquired knowledge and experience,
- Definition of roles and responsibilities,
- Project management based on intermediate stages,
- Management by exception,
- Focusing the entire project and its management on the end product (quality, deadlines, etc.),
- The adaptability of the method to any project: the context in which it evolves, its size, its complexity, the people involved, its degree of importance, the risks it faces, etc.
Axis 2 - the 7 themes
The 7 themes are the essential aspects of project management, an integral part of any organization. In line with the method, these 7 aspects must be kept under constant control throughout the project:
- The business case: this justifies the "why" of the project. What value does it bring to the company? It must validate the value of the project;
- Organization: this involves defining the roles and responsibilities of project team members;
- Quality management: this involves checking at all times that the client's requirements are met, in terms of quality, delivery format and deadlines;
- Planning: this involves identifying each of the stages essential to project completion;
- Risk management: this involves identifying and assessing the impact of risks on the project's progress;
- Change management: this involves anticipating the appearance of unforeseen events during the course of the project, so as to better respond to them should they occur;
- Progress control: this involves monitoring the progress of the project in relation to its initial planning, and ensuring that it is still in line with its raison d'être.
Axis 3 - the 7 processes
The 7 processes are clearly defined activities that are essential to the success of the project, from pre-project to project closure. Each process is accompanied by a checklist to ensure that the expected result is achieved.
- Project development : a request for a new project (or mandate) is formulated, explaining the project's rationale. It is evaluated by the steering committee, which verifies that the project is valid. If approved, the project can be launched, and a more detailed brief is drawn up.
- Directing the project: the steering committee examines the brief and, once it has been approved, indicates how the project is to be carried out. A project manager is appointed to manage the project on a day-to-day basis.
- Initialize the project: project start-up documentation and a detailed project plan must be drawn up. These will be available for consultation throughout the project. Once this documentation has been validated by the committee, project work can begin.
- Controlling a sequence: the project manager's role is to prepare, monitor and evaluate the project's progress. He or she keeps the committee regularly informed of project progress, particularly in the event of the sequence being jeopardized. The committee then decides on the continuation of the project, using an exception plan for the next sequence.
- Managing product delivery : the project manager ensures that the project is progressing and that the quality of deliverables is in line with Prince2 requirements. Quality checks may be carried out. Delivery then goes through the steering committee: delivered products are validated or need to be modified.
- Managing a sequence limit: the steering committee verifies that each sequence has proceeded as planned, in accordance with the initial requirements. At this point, the next sequence is planned or, if the business case for the project is no longer proven, the project is abandoned.
- Closing a project : this final process takes place when the last stage of the project plan has been completed. It involves checking that the objectives have been achieved and that the customer is satisfied. An assessment is made, and lessons learned are applied to future projects.
Why choose Prince2?
The advantages
- It is an excellent project management reference, requiring no prior expertise;
- Its training is accessible to all;
- It provides a structuring framework for rational project management;
- Its logic and vocabulary are standardized, making exchanges between collaborators more fluid;
- It encourages a continuous learning approach.
Disadvantages
- Prince2 training is not designed to validate project management knowledge, but rather a sound understanding of the method;
- Its formal framework should not obscure the complexity and subtleties of project management, which requires adaptation to real-life situations;
- In addition to training in the methodology, it will be all the more effective if it is applied by a project manager who knows how to make use of his or her business experience.
💡 Other project management methods can add nuance and complement Prince2:
PRINCE2 vs PMP: which one to choose?
The Prince2 method is often contrasted with the PMP method, although they can be used in complementary ways.
PRINCE2 certification validates methodological skills and best practices in project management, such as project steering, role allocation and project breakdown.
The PMP method is based on a body of project management knowledge (PMBOK®), including topics such as scope, costs, risks, etc. PMP certification validates both process understanding and the acquisition of project management knowledge, whatever the method used.
In the light of these criteria, it's up to you to assess which method is best suited to your level of expertise and the needs of your organization.
Article translated from French