PRINCE2®

What is PRINCE2®? – PRINCE2® Definition
PRINCE2® (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based method for effective project management.

PRINCE2® is a de facto standard used extensively by the UK Government and is widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally.

The method PRINCE2® is in the public domain, offering non-proprietorial best practice guidance on project management. PRINCE2® is a registered trade mark of the Cabinet Office.

The key features of PRINCE2® are:
• Its focus on business justification
• A defined organisation structure for the project management team
• Its product-based planning approach
• Its emphasis on dividing the project into manageable and controllable stages
• Its flexibility to be applied at a level appropriate to the project.

PRINCE2® History
PRINCE was established in 1989 by CCTA® (the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency), since renamed the OGC® (the Office of Government Commerce). In June 2010, the Office of Government Commerce Best Practice Management functions moved into the Cabinet Office.

PRINCE® was originally based on PROMPT®, a project management method created by Simpact Systems Ltd in 1975. PROMPT® was adopted by CCTA® in 1979 as the standard to be used for all Government information system projects.

When PRINCE® was launched in 1989, it effectively superseded PROMPT® within Government projects. PRINCE® remains in the public domain and copyright is retained by the Crown. PRINCE® is a registered trade mark of the Cabinet Office.

PRINCE2® was published in 1996, having been contributed to by a consortium of some 150 European organisations.

More About PRINCE2®
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.

A PRINCE2® Foundation qualification can be reached for example with PRINCE2® Foundation computer based training package or a 3-day PRINCE2® Foundation tutor-led classroom course.

A PRINCE2® Practitioner qualification can be reached with a combined PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner blended package or a combined PRINCE2® Foundation and Practitioner 5-day tutor-led classroom course.

PRINCE2® is a process-based approach for project management, providing an easily tailored and scaleable project management methodology for the management of all types of projects.

The methodology provides guidance on how to organise, manage and control your projects and is aimed at enabling the business to successfully deliver the right products, on time and within budget. The focus throughout PRINCE2® is on the Business Case, which describes the rationale and business justification for the project. The Business Case drives all the project management processes, from initial project set-up through to successful finish.

UNIVERSAL integrate PRINCE2® project techniques with IPMA® PMSIV® Change Management methodology to ensure the three dimensions of project management, organisational leadership and the transition of individuals from old ways of working to new are efficiently managed – delivering effective return on business investment.