The Method
The PRINCE2 method is made up of four integrated elements – Principles, Processes, Themes and tailoring to suit the project environment. These address the delegation, planning, control and monitoring of all six aspects of the project’s performance, namely cost, timescale, quality, scope, risk and benefits.
The PRINCE2 Principles
The Principles of PRINCE2 are the practices and guidelines which determine whether a project is being managed in a PRINCE manner. There are seven principles and it is necessary for all seven Principles to be applied in order for it to be truly considered a PRINCE2 project.
The 7 PRINCE2 Principles are:
- 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
The PRINCE2 Processes
There are seven PRINCE2 Processes which explain the steps of progression through the project lifecycle. Each of the processes provides a checklist of recommended products, activities and related responsibilities.
The 7 PRINCE2 Processes are:
- Starting Up a Project
- Directing a Project
- Initiating the Project
- Controlling a Stage
- Managing Product Delivery
- Managing a Stage Boundary
- Closing a Project
The PRINCE2 Themes
The Themes of PRINCE2 describe the aspects of Project Management that must be continuously addressed throughout the lifecycle of a project. The seven Themes detail the treatment that is required for various project management disciplines and why these are important.
The 7 PRINCE2 Themes are:
- Business Case
- Organisation
- Plans
- Risk
- Quality
- Change
- Progress
Tailoring
The Tailoring aspect of PRINCE2 is a vital one. Because of its nature, it can be tailored to suit any project environment and can easily be adapted to the specific context of a project.
PRINCE2 Benefits
- The PRINCE2 method is internationally recognised and understood which allows it to provide a common language for all those involved in a project.
- Effective communication is vital to the success of a project and the PRINCE2 method addresses this.
- It provides for clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This ensures a structure for delegation, communication, authority and accountability. All parties involved in a project will know what they are meant to do, by when and the constraints that need to be applied.
- PRINCE2 promotes consistency within a project and consistency is the key to successful projects.
- A thorough, but economical, structure of project documentation is used by the methodology and this ensures that all the necessary information is provided without overloading reports and other documentation.
- Because the PRINCE2 method is a common language, the impact of personnel changes and handovers is greatly reduced and team members trained in the method can be integrated seamlessly. This is an incredible benefit to the productivity levels on a PRINCE2 project.
- The PRINCE2 method also promotes learning and continuous improvement within organisations.
- With a strong focus on the product, the method highlights project viability in direct relation to the objectives of the Business Case.
It is clear why PRINCE2 is the preferred method for project management and why it has a proven success rate across various organisations and industries where it is applied.
Project Manager Salaries
The average salary of PRINCE2 Project Managers is £55,000 (ITJobswatch)
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Get in touch with one of our Expert Course and Career Advisors for any queries you may have or to get advice on which courses are suited to your chosen career.
Online study benefits
By studying online, you will be able to complete your course and write the accompanying exam from the comfort of your home at a pace suited to your schedule. Each section of study can be revised as you see fit and in the process, retain the information more easily. You will gain access to your course for 12 months and to an exam simulator that will dramatically increase your chances at passing your exam.
PRINCE2 Foundation exam details
- The Foundation exam is presented in multiple choice format
- When writing the Foundation exam, you will need to answer 75 questions
- 5 of those questions are trial questions and will not count towards your final mark
- You will be allocated one hour to answer as many questions as possible
- The pass mark for the Foundation exam is 50% (a minimum of 35 marks out of 70 required)
Assessment
A provisional result will be made available to you upon completion of your exam. APMG (awarding body) will then verify your results and you will receive your official APMG certificate within 10 to 14 working days.
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