Prince Project Management Methodology (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is an effective process-based method for project management. This article will briefly discuss PRINCE2.

PRINCE2 is a process-based approach for managing projects. It helps to work out who should be involved in a project, their role and their responsibilities. PRINCE2 has a set of processes to work through and it explains what information needs to be gathered. The method is the de-facto standard for project management in the UK and is practiced globally.

The majority of organisations that wish to use PRINCE2 as their chosen project management methodology start with accredited training. Training is a necessity as it is a complex system with many processes and angles; and the training will provide everyone with the knowledge they need to manage a project with an understanding of the terminology used.

PRINCE2 is very adaptable and can be applied to all sorts of projects, no matter how big or small the project is; even projects lasting a few days will benefit from selective application of PRINCE2 guidelines. In a training environment the principles sound logical, but putting theory into practice can be a different story. Sometimes users of PRINCE2 struggle with fully understanding how the method can enhance a project. This can lead to a fervent adherence to unnecessary levels of formality and detail – therefore giving the impression PRINCE2 is bureaucratic and filled with rules and regulations. Equally it could lead to inappropriate shortcuts being taken in projects, which can undermine the integrity of the method and the control and management of risk it provides.

There are two PRINCE2 qualification levels: PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner.

PRINCE2 Foundation level is for those with a requirement to learn the basics and terminology of PRINCE2.

PRINCE2 Practitioner is the highest level qualification and is suitable for those with the need to manage projects within a PRINCE2 environment.

PRINCE2 certification is an invaluable asset to anyone’s career as it increases employment prospects and helps individuals do their jobs more effectively, becoming an advantage to their employers.