PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology which gives a sound basis for managing any project. It is based around:

• Clear project selection, initiation and definition methods


• Integration of planning and control processes in the project lifecycle


• Control of time, cost and performance


• Management of risk and change


• Management of issues


• Integration of the project organisation and consistent roles and responsibilities

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.

Common issues that applying a project management methodology will clarify;

• There is no business case or proper evaluation of project requirements and management


• There is no project methodology used to manage projects and ensure controls and ongoing objectives are being met throughout a projects lifecycle


• Risks and project scope are not being managed resulting in project time-frames and costs being excessive and the final outcome not always meeting customer needs

PRINCE2 is based on seven principles;

• Business justification


• Learning lessons


• Roles and responsibilities


• Managing by stages


• Managing by exception


• Product focused


• Tailored

The approaches to deliver these principle are outlined in the 7 themes of:

• Business case


• Organisation


• Quality


• Plans


• Risks


• Changes


• Progress

and flow through to the underpinning processes of:

• Starting up a project


• Directing a project


• Initiating a project


• Controlling a stage


• Managing stage boundaries


• Closing a project