PRINCE2® is a method that organisations can use to keep their projects and initiatives under control, hence the name PRojects IN Controlled Environments. The PRINCE2® method provides clear guidance for the start up of a project and also provides processes and control mechanisms allowing for a controlled execution and closure of the project while maintaining constant attention to business justification. The PRINCE2® method describes principles, themes, and processes which provide guidance to not only the project manager but also the executive from inception of the project right through to closure.
PRINCE was developed in 1975 and underwent several enhancements after acquisition by the UK government in 1979. PRINCE2™ is now a de facto world standard and used throughout Australasia, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
PRINCE2® is a result driven approach which makes the Business Case the most important element across the life cycle of the project. The Business Case drives the project by constantly focussing on the question: why are we doing this?
PRINCE2® is also product-oriented and not task-oriented. Product-based planning helps reduce the frequent problems associated with scope creep, acceptance disagreements, quality issues, and lack of customer satisfaction.
I’ve seen articles and blog posts that claim that PRINCE2® is only for government projects, but this is very far from the truth, unless you believe that only government projects can have issues of focus, direction, accountability, and performance. In fact, what is not very well understood is that the PRINCE2® method itself indicates that organisations should invest in their effort to tailor the method to the environment (e.g. existing structure), size, complexity, industry, competitive environment, risk, infrastructure, and other factors.
So, it would be wise to consider PRINCE2® as another tool to add to your professional tool kit as a project manager. It is an excellent methodology to implement to improve your overall results and strategy execution at an organisational level.
You can read the PRINCE2® book to learn more, or take an in-depth course and get yourself certified in the PRINCE2® method either at the Foundation Level or the Practitioner Level.
