– The useful bits… Prince2

Prince2 – The useful bits…
Objective…
• Quick intro to Prince2 and how key
elements were adopted at Salford
• Present a simple structured approach to
organising a project based on the ideas
behind Prince2
Running order…
• What is Prince2
• The Prince2 process map
• A simple structured approach to projects
What is Prince2…
•
Prince2™ is an established method for project management. It covers the
management, organization and the control of projects of all shapes and
sizes.
•
The methodology itself defines a process based approach to project
management, with inputs, outputs and objectives clearly identified.
•
It also details a stage by stage approach, ensuring that progress can be
properly monitored.
•
Under Prince2, the whole project is driven by the business requirements,
and managers are encouraged to make the process inclusive, often
including suppliers and customers.
•
The intention is that projects should be properly controlled and defined,
but with flexibility and good communication.
What is Prince2…
What does PRINCE2 ™ stand for?
• It stands for Projects in Controlled Environments (the 2 reflecting the that this is the
second version of it).
Who developed it?
• It was devloped by the CCTA, which is part of the Office of Government Commerce,
which in turn is part of the UK Government.
Is it just intended for IT projects?
• No. The original version of PRINCE was intended for IT, but the scope expanded,
and the PRINCE2 ™ is intended for all types ofproject.
What are the benefits of using PRINCE2 ™?
• At the highest level use of PRINCE2 is intended to enable project and business risk
to be managed more effectively, and resources to be more readily controlled.
Is this a new method?
• Not really. The original PRINCE was first published in 1989. This itself was based
upon an older methodology from the 1970s.
It’s process based…
• A collection of processes that together
make up the complete prince2 process
model, example processes groups
include:
–
–
–
–
Initiating a project
Controlling a stage
Directing a project
And many more 
Prince2 – Typical responses 
•
•
•
•
Do I need to understand all that!
You must be joking
It won’t work here
It’s IT gone mad 
• How do we simplify it and make it useful?
Project Governance
Project
Initiation
Project
Execution
Risk Management
Project Planning
Project
Closure
Structured approach…
• All project management methodologies
are based on having a structured
approach
• Intermediate decision and check points
• So adopt a structured approach – but
keep it simple and appropriate for you 
A simple structured approach
Project
Start
Setup and Initiation
Implementation
Close
Project
Finish
Stage 1 – Setup and Initiation
• Important for projects of any size
– What the project will deliver and why these are
important
– What the resource requirements to deliver are
(R&R's)
– What the plan and milestones are
– What the risks are and how these will be managed
– What are the assumptions and dependencies
– What are the control mechanisms (reporting and
governance)
Project Governance…
Make sure you have some.
I recommend a very simple and agile structure:
Project Board
Agrees the business case
Agrees the solution and delivery plan
Escalation point for project issues/risks
Project Manager
Appointed by the Project Board to deliver the project
Manages the project team
Project Team
Does the work to produce the products required
Establish a risk log…
• Start a risk log straight away
– Include
• Risks
• Assumptions
• Issues
• Dependencies
• Maintain it, review it, add to it
• Involve the most appropriate people, get
people working for and with you 
Monitor progress…
• Have a plan
– all tasks/products that need to be completed
– How long each task/product will take and when they will
complete
– The order they need to be done in
– Who will do them
– Any dependencies that exist between tasks
• How do I use it?
– Record when tasks are completing and compare to when they
should be
– If they are late, your project will probably be late
Project plans…
• Use what suits you and the complexity of
the project…
– Gant Chart – MS Project
– Simple List – Excel, Word etc…
• Get it agreed
Ensure controlled end to projects…
• Unfortunately an often undervalued
phase of projects
• Ensures:
– Proper assessment of a projects successes and
shortcomings
– Lessons to be learnt for future projects
– All elements have been completed that allow the
project to be completed
– Any follow up actions required outside the project
are captured, agreed and owned.
Communications…
• Effective communication can mean the
difference between project success and
failure
• Think carefully throughout the project
about what you should be
communicating, to who, in what form and
when, throughout the project – Have a
comms plan!
Final thoughts…
• Prince2 isn’t magic and won’t guarantee
success
• Use the bits that help you
• Start small 
• Seek out people in similar positions –
mutual support and advice
Any questions?
Email: [email protected]