Methodology

There are six variables involved in any project, and therefore six aspects of project performance to be managed:

• Costs
• Timescales
• Quality
• Scope
• Risk
• Benefits

PRINCE2® is an integrated framework of processes and themes that addresses the planning, delegation, monitoring and control of all these six aspects of project performance.

Structure

The PRINCE2® method addresses project management with four integrated elements of principles, themes, processes and the project environment:

1. The Principles – These are the guiding obligations and good practices which determine whether the project is genuinely being managed using PRINCE2®. There are seven principles and unless all of them are applied, it is not a PRINCE2® project.
2. The Themes – These describe aspects of project management that must be addressed continually and in parallel throughout the project. The seven themes explain the specific treatment required by PRINCE2® for various project management disciplines and why they are necessary.
3. The Processes – These describe a step-wise progression through the project lifecycle, from getting started to project closure. Each process provides checklists of recommended activities, products and related responsibilities.
4. Tailoring PRINCE2® to the Project Environment – This chapter addresses the need to tailor PRINCE2® to the specific context of the project. PRINCE2® is not a one size fits all solution; it is a flexible framework that can readily be tailored to any type or size of project.