In the era of the rightful popularity of agile project management methodologies, in many situations the best proven classic methods still work best, including the PRINCE2® methodology.
Why?
I will list here only the 10 most important reasons:
First: no other project management method attaches so much importance to return on investment, which, after all, from the sponsor’s point of view, is every project.
Second: there is no other project management method as universal, suitable for every project and every environment.
Third: this method respects the time of decision-makers making key decisions in the project. They don’t have to meet to make decisions about the project’s further course. Information about progress is contained in reports which, made available to top-level decision-makers, allow for effective decision-making at predetermined decision points.
Fourth: significantly more people hold PRINCE2® certification than there are holders of other project management certifications in the world. PRINCE2® is practiced in business, public administration institutions, and numerous international organizations. This project management method is known and practiced all over the world, including Australia and China.
Fifth: the PRINCE2® methodology is an element of a broad collection of good management practices, developed and improved by a team of experienced practitioners.
Sixth: through common vocabulary, PRINCE2® ensures effective communication in the project and communication between the project and its environment.
Seventh: a cycle of continuous improvement based on others’ and one’s own experiences is built into all processes that make up PRINCE2®.
Eighth: PRINCE2® combines seamlessly with other (including agile) project management methods, providing the best possible stable framework for practicing them.
Ninth: by defining a project as an organization, PRINCE2® proposes a clear structure of this organization with roles to which responsibilities are assigned. Every actor in the “PRINCE® theater” knows their lines exactly and knows what roles others have to play.
Tenth: the project lifecycle defined by PRINCE2® clearly sets decision points where the highest project authority (steering committee) makes key decisions regarding the project’s further course. These decisions are enforced by the project manager who receives appropriate authority to manage subsequent management stages.
PRINCE2® has always promoted effective leadership. The current sixth version of the methodology is largely (ag)ile in this dimension, promoting without explicitly naming it, servant project leadership, consisting of appropriate selection of the project team and relying on its competencies.
Wise practice of PRINCE2® is not about documents, but information; not about meetings, but decisions.
This project management method creates wise and stable frameworks for implementing best project management practices present in other, even more agile, approaches.
Author: Jolanta Błędowska
- trainer, consultant, practitioner from the financial sector
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Read Also
- How Does PRINCE2 Methodology Work? Main Principles, Processes, Methodologies, and Benefits
- PRINCE2: When and How to Apply This Project Management Methodology?
- EITT with PRINCE2® Accreditation: Raising Project Management Standards
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This article is related to the training PRINCE2® Foundation (szkolenie zdalne z egzaminem) - 7. edycja. Check the program and sign up to develop your skills with EITT experts.
Read also
- PRINCE2 7 vs PRINCE2 6 - What Changed and Should You Re-certify
- PRINCE2: When and How to Apply This Project Management Methodology?
- How Does PRINCE2 Methodology Work? Main Principles, Processes, Methodologies, and Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRINCE2 still relevant in the era of agile project management?
Yes, PRINCE2 remains highly relevant. It combines seamlessly with agile delivery methods, providing a stable governance framework while agile manages day-to-day delivery. Its current edition promotes servant project leadership and flexible practices that complement modern agile approaches.
What is the biggest advantage of PRINCE2 over other project management methods?
One of PRINCE2’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on return on investment, which no other project management method prioritizes as strongly. Additionally, it is the most universal methodology, suitable for every project and every environment, with more certified practitioners worldwide than any other project management framework.
How does PRINCE2 handle decision-making in projects?
PRINCE2 respects decision-makers’ time by using structured reporting rather than requiring constant meetings. Progress information is contained in reports made available to top-level decision-makers, enabling effective decision-making at predetermined decision points without unnecessary overhead.
Can PRINCE2 be combined with agile methods?
Absolutely. PRINCE2 provides a clear organizational structure with defined roles and responsibilities while allowing agile delivery within its framework. Wise practice of PRINCE2 focuses on information rather than documents, and decisions rather than meetings, creating ideal conditions for integrating agile approaches.