PRINCE2 is a method used to plan, manage and deliver a project at every phase. It’s a clear framework that defines roles, responsibilities, processes and project stages.
It was originally created for the UK government. Now, it has become one of the most valued project management certificates across the UK, Europe and other international markets as well. The main strength of this methodology is found in its flexibility and adaptability across projects despite the size or the industry.
What does that PRINCE2 certification teach?
At the core of this framework, it answers a few practical questions such as,
- What are we trying to deliver: To avoid investing time, energy and resources on the wrong product
- Who is responsible for each task: To keep everyone accountable and no task falls behind
- How do we know if we’re on track heading the right direction
Although these might sound simple, these are the main reasons why most projects fail.
How PRINCE2 work and Why?
This popular framework works significantly because it handles the main areas that cause a project to fail. Let’s simplify this.
Short Story
Imagine a class group project due in 7 days.
You were assigned leader, and your teammates were William, James, Kara and Chessie. You asked William to handle the required images. James was responsible for the research, while Kara and Chessie were responsible for writing the required info. You were responsible for putting everything together and binding it into a book.
On the 5th day, just 2 days before the deadline, you call your team to see if you could get everything to create the book, only to find out William had forgotten he was responsible for the pictures. James was waiting for the pictures so that he could start the research, and Kara and Chessie had created notes from a completely different title.
Since the deadline was just 2 days away, you gathered up your team and did everything in a rush. Somehow you ended up completing the project. But guess what? Your team failed due to the lack of quality in the work.
So based on this story, what do you think were the main reasons for your project failure? Few reasons could be,
- Poor planning
- Poor role assignments with the responsibility
- No one took notes regarding their roles
- Lack of follow-up
- No guidance
- Lack of teamwork
What if you and your team had managed this project in stages? Rather than committing to complete the whole project at once, the whole team
- Plan a stage
- Complete it
- See how it looks
- Decide how to continue
This would’ve helped reduce the risk of failure by catching problems early on, and these are the areas that PRINCE2 tackles.
This failure didn’t cost much since it was a class project. But when it comes to a project involving billions of dollars, failures can cause tremendous impacts.
The PRINCE2 qualification addresses each of these stages and reduces the probability of project failure despite of the scale(small or large projects)
The 3 main things the certification prioritises in teaching learners are,
- What needs to be done
- Who is responsible for each task
- When should each thing happen
Everything is documented and is followed up in order. This helps keep everything controlled and avoids micromanagement too. This is why PRINCE2-qualified project managers are demanded across the UK and Europe.
Although these might sound simple, these are the main reasons why most projects fail.
Why Is PRINCE2 widely used in the UK and Europe
The 3 main reasons behind this are,
- To avoid the risk of project failure leading to billions of losses
- Due to its
- accountability and documentation property
- Creates a team of employees familiar with a specific framework
Briefly explaining, this methodology helps prevent any sort of uncertainty.
Why the framework work?
It’s built around few core concepts that guides each stage of a project. Think of it like the railing on a staircase. It keeps anyone from falling off and helps you stay within the staircase.
Understanding these concepts through the practical applications (taught in the PRINCE Practitioner) can help you use these better in depth with the necessary clarity.
The most important ideas (core concepts)
- Every project must have a reason: This is know as the business justification
- Roles must be clear: Everyone should know their responsibilities and their tasks
- There should be stages
- Adapt concepts to suit requirements
Certification Level in PRINCE2 7
There are 2 main stages in this qualification as
- Foundation: This is the first certification in the framework. It teaches the theoritical basics of the methodology.
- Practitioner: This is the second certification the framework. This builds on the knowledge you gain from the Foundation. This teaches you the practical applications.
PMP vs PRINCE2
These are the 2 most popular project management certifications in the world. Although these seem like they’re 2 competing qualifications, they serve slightly different purposes.
While PRINCE2 teaches you how to run things with defined processes and roles, PMP teaches you how to manage it with experience and knowledge. This is why PMP requires experience in the field as an entry requirement.
Career Benefits of PRINCE2 Qualifications
Career Impact
- Helps you qualify for project based roles
- Helps you to get higher positions
- Trusted by employers
- High chance of landing a job
- Higher salary in comparison
In many UK job listings, it’s considered as required or strongly preferred.
Skill Development
- Gain skills required to start
- Beginner friendly
How to Start Your Journey
This is no rocket science. Now that you know the benefits, here’s how you can start your learning.
- Decide whether you need guidance with exam prep
- If you do, choose the virtual classroom(guaranteed pass due to exam prep)
- Otherwise, buy the normal PRINCE2 Foundation course and start studying
- Once completed, you can move into the PRINCE2 Practitioner
Not sure if you want the virtual classroom? Find out if it’s right for you in this blog: Benefits of Choosing Aspirex Virtual Classroom
Conclusion
This qualification is not a promise to land a job. However without these qualifications, a CV might not even pass the initial screening.
PRINCE doesn’t just provide you a certification, but a way of thinking in a structured and controlled way. If you’re aiming to work in UK or Europe, this qualification is a necessity.
