Prince2, a royal method for staying in control of your project management

Are you a project manager in training, a beginner or an experienced professional? 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 better and lead your team towards productivity and convincing results.

Very popular throughout the world, the Prince2 method is within everyone's reach. Find out more about how it works, its features and its benefits, before getting started on your certification!

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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 environments subject to numerous constraints. It is "a structured project management and certification method that focuses on three points: project organisation, management and control " (Prince2 according to Wikipedia).

A brief history of Prince2

• Originating 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.
• When it was revised in 2009 by the UK's Organisation of Governmental Commerce (OCG), it took on a more general approach, rather than being 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 understand how Prince2 works in broad terms, let's start by pointing out that it remains accessible, whatever the project manager's level of expertise. There are no pre-requisites.

To be awarded certification, only two exams need to be passed:

• PRINCE2® Foundation,
• and the PRINCE2® Practitioner.

The Prince2 method provides a solid methodological foundation in the following areas

• project management
• role allocation
• project breakdown,
• setting 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 have.

How does Prince2 certification work?

PRINCE2 certification consists of two stages:

1. PRINCE2® Foundation certification: this is a one-hour test with a 75-question MCQ;
   
   
2. PRINCE2® Practitioner certification: this is a 2.5-hour examination with an 8-question MCQ, each comprising 10 questions. The textbook is permitted.

Prince2 features under the microscope

The Prince2 method provides a clear reference framework covering all aspects of project management, to ensure that projects are controlled and effective.

It is based on 3 axes, each of which is broken down into 7 key characteristics.

Area 1 - the 7 principles

The 7 principles set out are the rules to be followed when managing projects in accordance with 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,
• Capitalising on the knowledge and experience acquired,
• Definition of roles and responsibilities,
• Project management broken down into intermediate stages,
• Management by exception,
• Focusing the entire project and its management on the final product (compliance with 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, which are an integral part of any organisation. In order to apply the method correctly, these 7 aspects must be monitored continuously 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 carrying out the project;
  
  
• Organisation: this involves defining the roles and responsibilities of the members of the project team;
  
  
• 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 the completion of the project;
  
  
• Risk management: this involves devising ways of guarding against risks to the progress of the project, by identifying them and assessing their impact;
  
  
• Change management: this involves anticipating the emergence of unforeseen events during the course of the project, so as to be able to respond more effectively 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.

• Developing the project : a request for a new project (or mandate) is formulated, explaining the rationale for the project. It is assessed by the steering committee, which checks that the project is valid. If it is approved, it can be launched and a more detailed brief is drawn up.
  
  
• Managing 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.
  
  
• Initiating the project: the project start-up documentation and detailed project plan must be drawn up. They will be available for consultation throughout the project. Once this documentation has been validated by the committee, the project work can begin.
  
  
• Controlling a sequence: the project manager's role is to prepare, monitor and evaluate the smooth running of the project. He or she keeps the committee regularly informed of the progress of the project, particularly if the sequence is jeopardised. The committee then decides whether to continue the project with an exception plan for the next phase.
  
  
• Managing product delivery : the project manager ensures that the project is progressing and that the quality of the deliverables complies with Prince2 requirements. Quality checks may be carried out. Delivery then goes through the steering committee: the products delivered are validated or need to be modified.
  
  
• Managing a sequence limit: the steering committee checks that each sequence has been completed as planned, in accordance with the requirements initially set. 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 are learned so that the best practices adopted can be applied to future projects.

Why choose Prince2?

Its advantages

• It is an excellent project management reference, requiring no prior expertise;
• Its training is accessible to all;
• It provides a structured framework for rational project management;
• Its logic and vocabulary are standardised, making it easier for staff to communicate with each other;
• It encourages a continuous learning approach.

Disadvantages

• Prince2 training does not aim to validate knowledge of project management, only a good understanding of the method;
• Its formal framework should not obscure the complexity and subtleties of project management, which means that it needs to be adapted to the realities on the ground;
• 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, here are just a few:

See all software Project Management

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 knowledge of the method and best practices in project management: project steering, distribution of roles, project breakdown, etc.

The PMP method is based on a body of project management knowledge (PMBOK®), including subjects such as scope, costs, risks, etc. PMP certification validates both the understanding of processes and the acquisition of project management knowledge, regardless of the method used.

In the light of these criteria, it's up to you to assess which method suits you best, depending on your level of expertise and the needs of your organisation.