PRINCE2 Training; Superior Project Management

PRINCE2 Training, the acronym expanded, stands for projects in controlled environments, version 2. 

It is used widely not only in the UK but across the globe. 

The key features include: 

• Dividing the project into manageable phases so that it's easier to control it. 
• Flexibility to adapt to the level of the project. 
• A well-defined structure for the project management team. 

BENEFITS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE ORGANISATION 

It is an effective and efficient methodology to manage project risk. 

INDIVIDUAL: 

It significantly and considerably increases the employment prospects. 

ORGANISATION: 

• A consistent approach to project management. 
• Assures that the project has business justification. 
• A controlled and measurable initial, mid and end phase. 

It is based on seven sound principles: 

• Justification of business 
• Learning from experience 
• Defined roles and responsibilities 
• Managing in phases 
• Exclusive focus on products 
• Customised for the project environment 

PROJECT STARTUP 

A project team is appointed to analyse the project goals and prepare a brief to justify what the project is trying to achieve. It also assesses its alignment with business objectives. In short, it concludes the business justification for starting the project. After doing this, the project board authorises the next initiating phase of the project. 

Key activities include: 

• Appointing a project manager 
• Setting up a project management team 
• Preparing a project brief 
• Defining the approach towards project management 
• Planning the next crucial initiation phase. 

PROJECT INITIATION 

The project board authorises the initiation phase, gives direction and confirms closure of the project. 

CONTROLLING A STAGE 

It breaks the project into phases and stresses the importance of controlling each stage. The progress is regularly monitored and reported to the project board. The issues which crop up are escalated to the project board. 

MANAGING BOUNDARIES OF THE STAGE 

It emphasises on what should be done in the concluding phase. It is monitored that the phase remains within tolerance levels. 

The main aim of this process is to manage the project manager and team link. It lays down guidelines on accepting, executing and delivering a project. 

This covers what needs to be done in the last phase. The project is decommissioned, analysis, devising followup action and evaluation of the project is done. 

MEASURING SCALABILITY 

This involves guidance to the project manager as to which phase to execute and which to omit, forming a process. The PRINCE2 is customised to the needs of the project. 

The risk factor in managing a project is quite high. Therefore there is need for proper training and qualifications for project managers. 

The qualification and certification are of two types: 

1) PRINCE2 FOUNDATION: focuses on project terminology and methodology 

2) PRINCE2 PRACTIONER: It is the highest qualification for those managing a project in a PRINCE2 environment. 

VALIDITY OF PRINCE2 QUALIFICATIONS 

1) PRINCE2 FOUNDATION EXAM: no validity time period and no expiry date 

2) PRINCE2 PRACTITIONER EXAM: Individuals are registered for five years and thereafter (3-5 years later) have to re-register. 

PRINCE2 TRAINING 

It can be accessed in three interactive ways: 

1) ONLINE: One doesn’t need to go to a classroom, and can be accessed at one’s convenience and pace. 

2) IN-HOUSE COURSES: Customised to the needs of the staff 

3) PUBLIC CLASSROOM: direct face-to-face interaction. 

Projects are now easily manageable with the right expertise in well-defined phases and roles. PRINCE2 Certification is undoubtedly the key to superior quality project management.