What is the Structure of PRINCE2®?

Introduction 



The PRINCE2® 6th Edition Foundation & Practitioner Certification Training by Multisoft Virtual Academy is a comprehensive training program designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to master the updated PRINCE2® methodology. This training readies candidates for both the Foundation and Practitioner examinations, ensuring they possess a thorough understanding of the principles, themes, and processes involved in managing projects using PRINCE2®.

PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a renowned, globally recognized project management methodology. The 6th edition, often referred to as the 2017 update, is the latest version that offers a comprehensive approach to manage projects effectively. The Foundation and Practitioner levels of PRINCE2® provide a stepping stone for individuals looking to gain a deep understanding of the PRINCE2® methodology, its principles, themes, and processes.

Course Structure

  1. Foundation Level
    • Introduction to PRINCE2®: Overview of the methodology and its core components.
    • Seven Principles: Covering continued business justification, learning from experience, defined roles and responsibilities, manage by stages, manage by exception, focus on products, and tailor to the project environment.
    • Seven Themes: In-depth exploration of business case, organization, quality, plans, risk, change, and progress.
    • Seven Processes: Starting a project, directing a project, initiating a project, controlling a stage, managing product delivery, managing a stage boundary, and closing a project.
  2. Practitioner Level
    • Applying PRINCE2® in Real-Life Scenarios: Techniques and approaches to use PRINCE2® principles and processes in actual projects.
    • Tailoring PRINCE2®: Adapting the methodology to different project environments and requirements.
    • Detailed Case Studies: Analyzing different project scenarios to apply and understand PRINCE2® concepts.
    • Advanced Techniques: Exploring more profound aspects of project management like embedding the PRINCE2® methodology in organizational processes and practices.

The Structure of PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments)

PRINCE2® is a structured project management methodology that focuses on providing a clear framework to guide the project process from start to finish. The structure of PRINCE2® certification is based on its foundational elements: Principles, Themes, and Processes.

  1. Principles
    PRINCE2® is built upon seven principles. These principles are the foundation of the methodology and provide guidance on how projects should be managed.
    • Continued Business Justification: Every project should have a valid reason for its existence.
    • Learn from Experience: Use lessons from previous projects to inform current and future endeavors.
    • Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Everyone involved in the project should know their roles and responsibilities.
    • Manage by Stages: Projects should be broken down into manageable and controllable stages.
    • Manage by Exception: Establish a clear framework for decision-making in case of deviations from the plan.
    • Focus on Products: The project's outputs, and the quality criteria they should meet, should be clearly defined.
    • Tailor to the Project Environment: Adjust the PRINCE2® method to suit the project's context and environment.
  2. Themes
    PRINCE2® consists of seven themes that provide guidance on various aspects of project management.
    • Business Case: Why is the project undertaken and is it still viable?
    • Organization: Who are the stakeholders, and what are their roles and responsibilities?
    • Quality: What are the quality requirements, and how will they be achieved and verified?
    • Plans: How will the project be realized, and what will be its stages?
    • Risk: How will project uncertainties be managed?
    • Change: How will project changes be managed?
    • Progress: How will project advancement be monitored and controlled?
  3. Processes
    PRINCE2® defines seven processes that guide the progression of a project from its initiation to closure.
    • Starting Up a Project (SU): Deciding on the viability and feasibility of the project.
    • Directing a Project (DP): Senior management oversight and decision-making.
    • Initiating a Project (IP): Creating a detailed project plan and defining baselines.
    • Controlling a Stage (CS): Day-to-day management of a project stage by the Project Manager.
    • Managing Product Delivery (MP): Creating and delivering project products to meet the quality criteria.
    • Managing a Stage Boundary (SB): Transitioning from one stage to the next.
    • Closing a Project (CP): Formal closure and evaluation of a project.

What makes a project a ‘PRINCE2 project’?

A PRINCE2 project distinguishes itself by adhering to the core principles, themes, and processes defined by the PRINCE2® methodology. Here's what makes a project a ‘PRINCE2 project’:

  1. Adherence to the Seven PRINCE2® Principles
    • Continued Business Justification: The project must have a clear business case that provides the reason for the project and is regularly reviewed to ensure the project remains viable.
    • Learn from Experience: Lessons are sought, recorded, and acted upon throughout the life of the project.
    • Defined Roles and Responsibilities: The project team structure is clearly defined, ensuring everyone knows their roles.
    • Manage by Stages: The project is planned, monitored, and controlled on a stage-by-stage basis.
    • Manage by Exception: There are clear tolerances defined for each project objective to ensure efficient decision-making.
    • Focus on Products: The project's outputs, their quality criteria, and the means of delivery are clearly defined.
    • Tailor to the Project Environment: The PRINCE2 methodology is adapted to suit the project's context without compromising its integrity.
  2. Application of the Seven PRINCE2® Themes
    These themes provide guidance throughout the project, ensuring aspects like business justification, quality, and risk are consistently addressed.
  3. Use of the Seven PRINCE2® Processes
    These processes provide a step-by-step progression from project initiation to closure:
    • Starting Up a Project
    • Directing a Project
    • Initiating a Project
    • Controlling a Stage
    • Managing Product Delivery
    • Managing a Stage Boundary
    • Closing a Project
  4. Product-Based Planning
    A PRINCE2 project uses product-based planning, focusing on the product breakdown structure, product description, and product flow to ensure clarity on what the project will deliver.
  5. Change Control Approach
    PRINCE2 projects have a systematic approach to requesting, assessing, and implementing changes to the project.

A PRINCE2 project is characterized by its structured approach to project management, where each aspect of the project, from initiation to closure, is guided by the PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes. This ensures that the project remains aligned with business objectives, is effectively managed and controlled, and delivers the intended outcomes.

The structure of PRINCE2® online training, with its interlocking principles, themes, and processes, offers a comprehensive, best-practice approach to project management. This structure ensures that projects remain justifiable and viable, with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and processes that can be tailored to the unique needs and environment of each project.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the need for structured project management methodologies like PRINCE2® is paramount. Multisoft Virtual Academy's PRINCE2® 6th Edition Foundation & Practitioner Certification Training not only equips individuals with the requisite skills but also meets the demands of modern corporate training. This comprehensive approach ensures that professionals are well-prepared to drive project success in their respective organizations, reinforcing the indispensable role of quality corporate training in today's business world.

A mindset that views projects through the lens of principles, themes, and processes, ensuring they are completed successfully, on time, and within scope. Whether you're an aspiring project manager or a seasoned professional, this course and certification will undoubtedly enhance your capability and credibility in the field of project management.


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