PRINCE2

PRINCE2™ - one of the first PPM methodologies and tools to be adopted as a "recommended standard" by the PPM Council has been refreshed and relaunched.

Following extensive public consultation and review, the method has evolved to address issues seen in the modern project environment while retaining its core value of being a universal method that can be applied to any project regardless of type, scale, culture or geography.  This has resulted in two publications.

"Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2" is an evolution of the method for those working in the project environment and the project manager in particular.

"Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2" is a new core publication for the project executive and the project board, covering the duties and behaviors expected and further guidance on how best to provide leadership of the tool's application.

The new manuals update and improve all aspects of the method but the underlying principles and content remain largely the same, building on the basic methodology.  They are designed to be more accessible and easier to navigate.  Copies of the new manuals and a number of related publications are available from the official publisher, TSO, from 16 June 2009.

If you've studied PRINCE2 already your knowledge is still relevant.  Holders of the Foundation or Practitioner qualification can move to the new version easily, and practitioners do not have seek re-certification until it falls due.

Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2
The new edition provides more guidance and less instruction.  It is less prescriptive and more flexible with the need to tailor the method explicitly stated and guidance on how to tailor it provided in a new chapter.  It has been designed to align with other OCG products; Managing Successful Programmes (MSP™), Management of Risk (M_o_R®) and the new Project, Programme and Portfolio Offices (P3O®) guidance, enabling users to seamlessly integrate all four methods and frameworks.  The linkage with other standards and bodies of knowledge is clearly shown, and the importance of the soft aspects of project management emphasized.  PRINCE2 is not bureaucratic - the method requires information and decisions, not documents and meetings.

In addition to the new chapters on "Principles" and "Tailoring", the "Components" and "Techniques" chapters have been removed, and combined into the new "Themes" section describing aspects of project management that require specific treatment.  "Processes" describes the progress through the project lifecycle from start-up to closure.

The number of processes and sub processes has been reduced; with sub processes now called activities.

"Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2" should be used in conjunction with the manual "Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2", for those wishing to have further guidance on how best to provide project leadership.

Directing Successful Projects Using PRINCE2
The new manual 'Directing Successful Projects Using PRINCE2' is aimed at the project board executives, board members and sponsors of projects. It provides guidance on the decisions they are called on to make, such as: is it on track and should it continue; has it finished and has it achieved everything it set out to do.

PRINCE2 Process Model
The other area of significant change is to the PRINCE2 Process Model - this will be available shortly for download from the official PRINCE2 website.

Implications for examinations and accreditations
The APM Group (OGC's official partner for accreditation) are introducing revised PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner examinations from July 2009. The style and format of both exams will remain the same and will be based on the 'Managing Successful Projects Using PRINCE2' publication and will not include material from the new Directing Projects' book.

APM Group, OGC and the Home Office are working on refocusing the existing Programme and Project Sponsor examination to include the 'Directing Projects' material but sponsors will also need to demonstrate an awareness of Programme issues as well. 

All candidates who have taken examinations on the earlier edition of the method will find their qualification remains valid until they need to re-certify.
The lower level Foundation exam does not require re-registration. However, PRINCE2 Registered Practitioners need to take the re-registration exam within 5 years of their certification date as shown on their certificate. All certificates are valid for the registration period shown on them and exams do not have to be retaken outside of the normal re-registration cycle.

The 2009 exams will be available from June 2009. Re-registration exams will be based on this version and not previous versions.

There will be a transition period where candidates can choose to take either 2005 or 2009 format examinations. The 2005 examinations will be discontinued at the end of 2009.

The PRINCE2 2009 exams will initially be available in Mandarin Chinese, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish and Castilian Spanish.

Why PRINCE2?
PRINCE2 acts as a common language between customers, users and suppliers, bringing these parties together on the Project Board. And although PRINCE2 doesn't include contract management as such, it provides the necessary controls and boundaries needed for everybody to work together within the limits of any relevant contracts.  In addition, the Project Board provides support to the project manager in making key decisions.

Most important of all, PRINCE2 allows your business to focus on doing the right projects, at the right time, for the right reasons, by making the start of a project and its continued existence dependent on a valid ongoing business case.

For more information on PRINCE2 2009 download Prince2 2009 Overview brochure June 2009