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What is PRINCE2

When it comes to Project Management, there's often a challenge in maintaining control and achieving desired outcomes. The lack of a structured approach can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and a host of unforeseen complications. However, hope is on the horizon in the form of PRINCE2. But most organisations don’t know What is PRINCE2? But, worry no more. Let's find out everything about it!

Read this blog to learn What is PRINCE2, its benefits, its key principles, and how it works. Let's dive in deeper to learn more!

Table of Contents

1) What is PRINCE2?

2) History of PRINCE2

3) How does PRINCE2 Work?

4) Seven principles of PRINCE2 

5) Seven work phases of PRINCE2 process

6) PRINCE2 Benefits

7) PRINCE2 roles and responsibilities

8) PRINCE2 Certification

9) PRINCE2 vs. PMP

10) Become an effective Project Manager with PRINCE2 Certification Training

11) Conclusion

 


What is PRINCE2? 

More than 150 countries use the Project Management methodology known as PRINCE2, or Projects IN Controlled Environments. It's a methodical approach that emphasises control and organisation throughout the overall project. Every project begins with a comprehensive project plan, each step of the process is planned, and any loose ends are tied up when the project is complete. But What is PRINCE2 Project Management in exercise?

PRINCE2 requires a Project Management framework that has an organised and controlled project plan before commencing, one that maintains its structure throughout the project life cycle. This is done by breaking the project down into logical sections. PRINCE2 is totally scalable. The most recent upgrade to the framework, PRINCE2, allows it to be more easily customised for each project you take on.

Seven PRINCE2 procedures are used to attain the control. Thus, This process-based Project Management methodology PRINCE2 equips individuals with the foundational knowledge required to succeed as a Project Manager. These Project Management procedures cover every phase of a project, from planning to completion.

 

Prince2 Training
 

History of PRINCE2®?  

Now that we are aware of What is PRINCE2, let us quickly examine its history. The Project Resource Organization Management Planning Technique (also known as PROMPT), which was developed in 1975 and employed by the United Kingdom government for its information system projects, served as the foundation for the PRINCE2 methodology, which was first introduced in 1989 by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA). In 1996, PRINCE2 as a Project Management approach was finally released, and amazingly, it is now available for free. 

After beginning to be successful in the UK, PRINCE2 swiftly spread throughout the world and is now widely used in both the public and private sectors. The original framework was established by a group of 150 different European organisations and launched in 1996. This variety of knowledge and experience led to a clear yet adaptable method for managing productive projects. Since that time, enterprises, and organisations from a variety of industries have adapted PRINCE2 Project Management to their needs. Furthermore, ongoing revisions have made sure that the technique remains applicable even when markets, industries, and business practices change. 

How does PRINCE2 work? 

A PRINCE2 project plan is typically described as having the following: 

1) A project lifecycle that is clearly defined 

2) Quantifiable and defined business products 

3) A matching set of procedures for successfully developing commercial goods  

4) A clear and defined collection of resources  

5) A Project Management organisational structure with clear roles and responsibilities 

Interested to know more about how PRINCE2 works? Join our PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner Training now! 

Seven principles of PRINCE2

Seven important principles form the foundation of the PRINCE2 methodology. Let’s explore the Seven Themes of PRINCE2: 

1) Projects must be justified from a business perspective, which includes having a clear need, a specified customer, reasonable benefits, and an in-depth cost analysis.

2) It's crucial to keep learning. At every stage of the procedure, lessons are actively looked after, recorded, and applied to enhance subsequent work.

3) Everyone must beaware of their roles and duties, and they are all well stated.

4) The work must be organised in phases. In order to reflect on lessons learned andensure the project is still on track to reach its objectives, large projects are divided into phases.

5) Project boards assign daily management duties to a Project Manager after establishing baseline standards for necessities including deadlines, cost, risk, and scope.6) To verify that deliveries adhere to specifications, teams use a quality register. 

7) Every project should be customised using the PRINCE2 methodology. The scope, the number of participants involved, etc., can all be taken into account when determining the level of supervision and planning. 

Seven work phases of PRINCE2® process

The fact that the procedure is divided into seven phases shouldn't come as a surprise! Below are the seven work phases to ease tasks during the project lifecycle: 

1) The Start of a Project- An application for a new project—a project mandate—is made. The company's ability to fulfil this mandate is evaluated. A more thorough project brief is provided to the company if it is accepted. 

2) Directing- The project board reads and assesses project briefs. They choose how to plan and carry out the authorised projects. 

3) Project Initiation- In the Project Initiation Phase, the Project Manager develops the documentation for the project. It contains a strategy and baseline for key objectives like cost, advantages, risk, quality, and scope. The board chooses whether or not everyone approves of this documentation.  

4) Controlling Stage- Now that the project has been broken down into smaller work phases, the Project Manager passes off the project to the rest of the team. The Project Manager oversees each stage and may intervene as needed. The daily tasks are coordinated by the team manager. 

5) Administration of Product Delivery- Before being handed off to the customer, the deliverables must satisfy the quality requirements of PRINCE2. This responsibility lies on the Project Manager. The board then assesses whether the outcomes are acceptable or call for revisions. 

6) Stage Boundary Control- The board and Project Manager assess each stage of the project to make sure that everything is proceeding as expected and that the requirements are being fulfilled. The project's future can be decided by the board. The Project Manager is required to document the lessons learnt at every review for later reference. 

7) Project Completion- The Project Manager must wrap up cleanly after the work on the project is over.

Gain deep insights on the PRINCE2 Process with our PRINCE2® Practitioner Training –sign up now!  

PRINCE2 benefits 

Learning about PRINCE2 can improve Project Management procedures across your entire company. Teams using the PRINCE2 methodology have a clear understanding of their roles within a project as well as when, why, and for whom certain deliverables are to be made. The framework also provides techniques for resource and expense management that have been shown to be effective, leading to more carefully planned projects with significantly higher returns on investment. 

Most importantly, the framework can assist you in keeping the right perspective while working on your projects. Several reviews can be conducted to make sure that the work is moving forward in accordance with the set business goals, and any problems will be addressed and fixed before work can proceed.

 The following are some of the major Benefits of PRINCE2 Project Management:

1) Greater decision-making latitude 

2) Better resource management and project control 

3) Reviewing project progress on a regular basis against business cases and plans 

4) Higher efficiency in risk management 

5) Early detection of potential issues 

6) Ensuring that projects are only continued when they have real, business-related justifications  

7) A clear procedure for handling any project deviations from the established plan 

8) The project team and other PRINCE2 stakeholders communicate effectively. 

9) A defined procedure for documenting lessons learnt that can be applied to future initiatives 

How can PRINCE2 benefit you?  

With over 1 million certified experts worldwide, PRINCE2 is firmly entrenched as the most widely used  Project Management methodology. 

The knowledge and abilities you get from PRINCE2 can improve your  Project Management abilities. Additionally, having this certification can help you advance in your career since many organisations require it in order to hire  Project Managers. 

How can PRINCE2 benefit your organisation?  

As a PRINCE2 organisation, your projects will benefit from following: 

1) a regular and reliable method  

2) a regulated and organised beginning, middle, and end  

3) regular evaluations of plan progress 

4) confirmation of the project's ongoing business justification 

PRINCE2 roles and responsibilities  

The PRINCE2 Project Management technique explicitly defines roles and duties to foster a regulated project environment. The key roles that make up a PRINCE2 Project Management team are listed below: 

1) Project Manager- The planning, execution, controlling, and closure phases of the project must all be managed by the Project Manager. 

Project Manager's primary responsibilities are as follows: 

a) Organise a project team and keep an eye on its progress. 

b) Make a project plan including a timetable and budget. 

c) Stay connected with the project board and the clients 

2) Team Manager- You might require a Team Manager to constantly monitor team members and report to the Project Manager based on the scale of your project. 

3) Customer- The project also involves a client, user, or supplier. This is the individual or group funding the project and who will be affected in some way by its results. Important customer responsibilities are as follows 

a) Recognise the significance of key Project Management documents, including the project plan, project brief, risk register, and business case. 

b) Give the project enough money to pay for the necessary resources. 

4) Project Board- The Project Board consists of business and customer executives, including a representative of the consumer end and another for the suppliers or specialists working on the project, is the last step. Essential responsibilities of the Project Board are as follows: 

a) The members of the project board are in responsible for making important decisions. 

b) Regularly communicate with the Project Manager and give your approval or disapproval for his initiatives. 

Learn all about the Project Manager's activities with our PRINCE2 Foundation Course today!

PRINCE2 Certification  

There is a study programme for PRINCE2 that can help individuals gain knowledge  of the PRINCE2 methodology. The candidates must complete the training with an authorised training provider and pass a test before continuing with the course.  

In accordance with the PRINCE2  Project Management technique, there are four levels of Certification: 

1) PRINCE2 2017 Foundation 

2) PRINCE2 2017 Practitioner  

3) PRINCE2 Agile Foundation 

4) PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner 

Based on the Certification level and certified training institution you select, the cost of the certification course and exam ranges from £350 to £2,000. Other than this, there’s also the cost of PRINCE2 Certification Renewal.

PRINCE2 vs. PMP

PRINCE2 and PMP are two popular Project Management methods and certifications that can help you improve your skills and career prospects. However, they have some key differences that you should consider before choosing one over the other. Let's explore the key differences between PRINCE2 and PMP: 

1) Origin and popularity: PRINCE2 is a UK-based method that is popular in Europe and Australia. PMP is a US-based method that is popular in North America and Asia. 

2) Purpose and approach: PRINCE2 is a process-based method that provides a prescriptive framework with best practices. It answers the “what, when, and who” questions of Project Management. PMP is a knowledge-based method that provides a descriptive framework with knowledge areas. It answers the how questions of Project Management. 

3) Organisation and structure: PRINCE2 is based on seven principles, themes, and processes. It offers well-defined project roles and responsibilities. It also allows for tailoring and flexibility. PMP is based on the PMBOK, which offers ten knowledge areas and five process groups. It emphasises the role of the project manager as the leader and decision-maker. It also requires alignment with the organisational and environmental factors. 

4) Certification and eligibility: To become a PRINCE2 Practitioner, you must pass the PRINCE2 Foundation exam first. There are no prerequisites for taking the PRINCE2 exams, but some Project Management experience or training is recommended. To become a PMP, you need to meet the eligibility criteria of PMI, which include having a degree or diploma, Project Management experience, and education. You also need to pass the PMP exam and maintain your certification by earning PDUs. 

Overall, PRINCE2 and PMP have different benefits, and the best choice for you depends on your personal and professional goals, preferences, and context. You should compare the costs, benefits, and requirements of each certification and decide which one suits you better. Alternatively, you can also pursue both certifications if you want to gain a comprehensive and versatile Project Management skill set.

Become an effective Project Manager with PRINCE2 Certification Training

Although we addressed What is PRINCE2, there is a lot to be learned from it, hence getting certified as Project Managers is strongly advisable.

Compared to other options like PMP, PRINCE2 operates at a higher level and uses a more defined methodology. It clarifies each team member's responsibilities and adds clarity to the work process. Due to its synchronised focus on the project and the process, PRINCE2 is a useful tool in today's business environment.

Conclusion

We hope you read and understand everything about What is PRINCE2. It is a Project Management method that offers a structured and flexible framework for delivering successful projects. PRINCE2 can help you improve your skills and career prospects as a Project Manager.

Learn more about PRINCE2. Check out our PRINCE2 Courses today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of PRINCE2? faq-arrow

PRINCE2 stands for Projects IN Controlled Environments. It is a structured Project Management methodology and Practitioner Certification.

What is the benefit of using PRINCE2? faq-arrow

Using PRINCE2 can benefit you and your organisation in various ways. Let's explore some of them below:

1) It provides a common and consistent approach to Project Management which can improve project success rates and efficiency.

2) It divides projects into controllable stages which can help with planning, risk management, and quality assurance.

3) It defines clear roles and responsibilities for the project team which can enhance collaboration and communication among stakeholders.

4) It ensures that the project has a clear business case, a well-defined scope, and a realistic plan, which can align the project with the organisational strategy and objectives.

5) It is adaptable and scalable to different contexts, scales, and objectives and can be adapted to fulfil the specific needs and requirements of each project.

What is the Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner? faq-arrow

PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner are two levels of Certification that you can achieve in the PRINCE2 project management methodology.
The Foundation level is an introduction to the fundamental PRINCE2 principles, processes and themes. It guides Project Managers on how to consistently deliver projects within budget and time, as well as how to manage and mitigate risks. The Practitioner level teaches you how to implement PRINCE2 appropriately to fulfil the needs and problems of a specific project.

To become a PRINCE2 Practitioner, you need to pass the Foundation exam first. The Foundation exam is a multiple-choice test with 60 questions and a passing score of 55%. The Practitioner exam is an objective testing exam with 68 questions and a passing score of 55%

 

 

What are the other resources and offers provided by The Knowledge Academy? faq-arrow

The Knowledge Academy takes global learning to new heights, offering over 30,000 online courses across 490+ locations in 220 countries. This expansive reach ensures accessibility and convenience for learners worldwide. 

Alongside our diverse Online Course Catalogue, encompassing 17 major categories, we go an  extra mile by providing a plethora of free educational Online Resources like News updates, blogs, videos, webinars, and interview questions. By tailoring learning experiences further, professionals can maximise value with customisable Course Bundles of TKA

The Knowledge Academy’s Knowledge Pass, a prepaid voucher, adds another layer of flexibility, allowing course bookings over a 12-month period. Join us on a journey where education knows no bounds.

 

What are related PRINCE2 courses and blogs provided by The Knowledge Academy? faq-arrow

The Knowledge Academy offers various PRINCE2 Courses, including PRINCE2 Foundation, Practitioner, and Agile. These courses cater to different skill levels, providing comprehensive insights into Project Management methodologies

Our Project Management blogs cover a range of topics related to PRINCE2, offering valuable resources, best practices, and industry insights. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your Project Management skills, The Knowledge Academy's diverse courses and informative blogs have you covered.

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