The Principles of PRINCE2 Part 1

The PRINCE2 training course is designed to give you a solid grasp of one of the most famous project management methods in the world. Used around the globe in both large and small organisations alike, there are many reasons individuals decide to become PRINCE2 certified, just as there are many reasons why organisations employ the PRINCE2 methodology within their projects.

PRINCE2 is unique in its methods and delivery. It employs the use seven key principles which are unique to its own method. These 7 principles then share 3 common characteristics; Universal (Can be applied to any type or size of project), Self- Validating (Proven over a long duration with many examples) and Empowering (The certified PRINCE2 practitioner is free to manage how they see fit, rather than being bound by tight guidelines).

The first principle is known as Continued Business Justification.  This principle ensures that the PRINCE2 project is driven by its own business case. PRINCE2 emphasises the idea of the business case and that this should be responsible for the driving of the project. The business case’s existence should be proven before the project begins and should be confirmed at all major points of the project or when other decisions are being made. So, to clarify PRINCE2 believes that a project should not begin without a sound Business Case. Further to this, during the project at regular intervals this should be re-checked to ensure that there is still a need for the project, if the justification for the project is no longer recognised then the project should be resolved. All projects must have justification, even compulsory ones to ensure that there is no financial loss from conducting it.

The next principle is to Learn From Experience. Project management should always rely upon what has been learnt previously. Lessons can be learnt from every single project the company has taken on and therefore should always be documented in order to be learnt from, rather than the same mistake being made over and over again which ultimately costs the company a great deal of money.

Defined Roles and Responsibilities is the third principle. Projects require a temporary organisation for a certain timescale and for a specific business purpose. Nothing about a project is permanent. However, for any project manager, one of the hardest tasks is to manage staff. Therefore PRINCE2 believes that each project demands certain roles and responsibilities to be put upon individuals in order for the project to be a success. An explicit project management team must be produced. Each individual must know what their own role and responsibility to the project is. The roles and responsibilities which are sought out will fall under three categories; Business, User and Supplier. PRINCE2 is so efficient because it creates a structure within an organisation that includes everybody and their interests.

The idea of Manage By Stages is also a PRINCE2 principle. PRINCE2 divides a project into smaller chunks in order for it to be manageable. Indeed, the number of stages will depend on the size and complexity of the project. At the end of each stage a plan will be completed and presented so that the Business Case can also be updated with the progress.

Keep checking the blogs as we consider the other principles; Focus on Products, Manage by Exception and Tailor to Suit the Project Environment.

Another great way to get in depth tools, knowledge and approaches to manage with the PRINCE2 Principles is to take one of our comprehensive, accredited PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner courses.

PRINCE2 is known for its efficient approach to project management and therefore will remain for years to come; the most famous and successful project management methodology.