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PRINCE2 is an acronym for “PRojects IN Controlled Environments”. It is a structured project management method or methodology based on experience drawn from thousands of projects and from contributions of countless project sponsors, project managers, project teams, academicians, trainers and consultants. PRINCE2 is the de-facto standard for project management in the UK and is practiced worldwide. It covers the management, control and organization of a project.
PRINCE2 traces its origins to a now-deprecated methodology called “PROMPT” which was developed by Sim-Pact Systems in the UK back in the 70s. In 1989, the first version PRINCE was originally launched by the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency later renamed as the Office of Government Commerce. PRINCE2 would later evolve from PRINCE in 1996.
In 2002, APM Group Ltd was designated as the official accreditation provider of The Cabinet Office, to provide the certification for PRINCE2. However, the copyright of PRINCE2 still belongs to The Cabinet Office.
The PRINCE2 methodology is documented in The Cabinet Office publication "Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2", readily available from the official publisher, TSO. This is aimed at those working in project environments and project managers in particular.
"Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2" covers the duties and responsibilities expected of the Project Board.
PRINCE2 was intentionally developed to function as a common language among business, users and suppliers, allowing for their representation on the Project Board. Although the methodology doesn't include contract management as such, it provides the necessary controls and boundaries needed for everybody to work together within the limits of any relevant contracts.
To start of, PRINCE2 allows your business to focus on (1) doing the right projects, (2) at the right time and, (3) for the right reasons, by making the start of the project and its continuance dependent on the continued existence of a viable Business Case.
Specialist aspects - Industry specific and type-specific activities are excluded. For example, PRINCE2 does not address engineering models, project life cycles, organization change management and procurement etc.
Detailed techniques - PRINCE2 discusses only those techniques that have a specific PRINCE2 approach. For example, product-based planning, quality reviews technique.
Leadership capability - Interpersonal skills are not addressed by PRINCE2.
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