PRINCE2: Evolution and Revolution

"The updated guidance will help those running projects of any size and in any environment to effectively deliver what is required by appropriately managing the costs, timescales, quality, scope, risks and benefits.

This latest version of 'Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2' represents an evolution of the previous manuals. The basic method remains but by building on feedback from users, this new manual aims to be more accessible and easier to tailor. For those people who sponsor or direct projects there is a revolution in that they now have a role specific guide targeted for their needs."
Andy Murray, Lead Author, PRINCE2
» View 'PRINCE2: A History' vodcast

The PRINCE2 2009 editions launched on 16 June 2009 following a project which kicked off in late 2006. The initial stages of the project involved a public consultation with over 160 organisations. The overwhelming feedback was that PRINCE2 as a method is fundamentally sound. However, the feedback also indicated that some people find it difficult to engage with particular aspects of it. Common criticisms were that the manual is too large, too prescriptive in some areas too theoretical rather than practical at times. Taking all these comments on board:

There are now two editions for PRINCE2; 'Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2' is aimed at people who work on projects on a daily basis and 'Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2' provides a guide for those who direct or sponsor projects.
PRINCE2 now has a set of clearly defined principles. These principles can be used as a check that PRINCE2 is being applied in spirit in which the method has been designed - not too rigidly nor superficially.
It has been designed to align with other OCG products: 'Managing Successful Programmes' (MSP) and 'Management of Risk' (M_o_R) and 'P3O' and will enable users to seamlessly integrate with all these methodologies.
PRINCE2 2009 is less prescriptive and has more flexibility, reflecting today's project environment where rapid changes occur due to external influences or lobbying.

Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2

This manual has been designed to be a role specific handbook for Project Managers, Team Managers, and Project Support. The publication provides a universally applicable project management method: the principles, processes, and techniques that enable individuals and organisations to successfully deliver their projects.

Key features include:

outlining the principles and processes of PRINCE2;
descriptions of the project management themes,
cross-references to project management techniques; and
providing the context of when and how to use PRINCE2 for different project environments (e.g., standalone or as part of a programme).

The manual covers the questions frequently asked by people involved in project management and support roles. These questions include:

What's expected of me?
What does the Project Manager do?
What do I do if things don't go to plan?
What decisions am I expected to make?
What information do I need or must I supply?
Who should I look to for support? For direction?
How can I tailor the use of PRINCE2 for my project?

Andy Murray adds "There's a lot more focus on benefits in the new Managing guide than in the current method. In particular around how benefits need to be tracked and realised post project and how that relates to a programme environment."

Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2

This new publication is aimed at supporting the senior manager responsible for a project, specifically those managers undertaking an executive role on a project for the first time. Covering the duties and behaviours expected of members of the Project Board, Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 can be used as a reference guide at any stage to check what is required - both of the Project Board and of the Project Manager.

Key features include:

an overview of the PRINCE2 method;
agendas and checklists for reviews that the Project Boards are expected to undertake and the decisions they are expected to make;
descriptions of the management products they are expected to approve; and
descriptions of the responsibilities of the roles involved.

It covers the questions frequently asked by those people who sponsor or direct projects:

What's expected of me?
What should I expect of the Project Manager?
How do I know the Project Manager is applying PRINCE2 appropriately?
How do I delegate authority to the Project Manager but keep control?
What decisions am I expected to make?
What information is required/available to help me make decisions?
How do we tailor the use of PRINCE2 for projects of differing scale or type?
What does an effective Project Board look like?

Andy Murray explains further: "It is aimed at managers taking on senior project roles, either for the first time or for the first time in a PRINCE2 context and as a reference guide for managers who are more experienced in directing projects and/or using PRINCE2 but who nevertheless wish to check from time to time the detailed guidance on specific topics."

For more information visit www.best-management-practice.com or view 'PRINCE2: A History' vodcast.