What Is Axelos PRINCE2?

Introduction

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a structured project management method and practitioner certification programme championed by Axelos, a joint venture company created in 2013 by the UK Government Cabinet Office and Capita plc. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of PRINCE2, its history, structure, and applications in modern project management.

History and Evolution

Origins

PRINCE2 originated from PROMPT II, a project management method created by Simpact Systems Ltd in 1975. In 1989, the UK government’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) adopted PROMPT II as a standard for IT project management, renaming it PRINCE.

Development

• 1996: PRINCE2 was released, expanding the method’s applicability beyond IT projects.
• 2009: PRINCE2 underwent a major refresh to enhance its accessibility and adaptability.
• 2017: The latest update, PRINCE2 6th Edition, was released, further emphasizing flexibility and tailoring to different project environments.

Key Features and Structure

PRINCE2 is built on seven principles, seven themes, and seven processes, providing a flexible and adaptable framework for project management.

Seven Principles

1. Continued Business Justification
2. Learn from Experience
3. Defined Roles and Responsibilities
4. Manage by Stages
5. Manage by Exception
6. Focus on Products
7. Tailor to Suit the Project Environment

Seven Themes

1. Business Case
2. Organization
3. Quality
4. Plans
5. Risk
6. Change
7. Progress

Seven Processes

1. Starting Up a Project
2. Directing a Project
3. Initiating a Project
4. Controlling a Stage
5. Managing Product Delivery
6. Managing Stage Boundaries
7. Closing a Project

Certification Levels

PRINCE2 offers three levels of certification:

1. PRINCE2 Foundation: Entry-level certification demonstrating a basic understanding of the methodology.
2. PRINCE2 Practitioner: Advanced certification for those who will be managing projects using PRINCE2.
3. PRINCE2 Professional: The highest level of certification, demonstrating the ability to apply and tailor PRINCE2 in a range of project environments.

PRINCE2 Agile

PRINCE2 Agile is an extension of the PRINCE2 methodology, combining the flexibility and responsiveness of agile approaches with PRINCE2’s governance structure. It’s designed for organizations and individuals seeking to blend PRINCE2 and agile methods.

Practical Applications

PRINCE2 can be applied to projects of any size or complexity across various industries. Its emphasis on tailoring allows organizations to adapt the methodology to their specific needs while maintaining the core principles and processes.

Global Adoption

PRINCE2 is widely used in the UK, Europe, and Australia, and its adoption is growing in North America and Asia. It’s particularly popular in industries such as IT, construction, and government sectors.

Comparison with Other Methodologies

While PRINCE2 offers a structured approach to project management, it differs from other methodologies in several ways:

• PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge): PMBOK is more of a reference guide, while PRINCE2 provides a ready-to-use methodology.
• Agile: PRINCE2 offers more structure and governance compared to pure Agile approaches, but can be combined with Agile methods (as in PRINCE2 Agile).
• Scrum: PRINCE2 covers the entire project lifecycle, while Scrum focuses primarily on product development phases.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths

• Provides a structured approach to project management
• Highly adaptable to different project environments
• Emphasizes business justification throughout the project lifecycle
• Clear definition of roles and responsibilities

Limitations

• Can be perceived as bureaucratic if not properly tailored
• Requires significant organizational commitment to implement effectively
• May not be suitable for very small projects or highly dynamic environments without adaptation

Conclusion

PRINCE2 by Axelos offers a comprehensive, flexible, and widely recognized approach to project management. Its emphasis on principles, themes, and processes, combined with the ability to tailor the methodology, makes it a valuable tool for project managers across various industries and project types. As with any methodology, the key to success lies in understanding its core concepts and adapting them appropriately to the specific needs of each project and organization.

Source Links

• https://www.axelos.com/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRINCE2