PRINCE2 Processes, Components and Techniques

The PRINCE2 methodology applies three key elements to each project and to the stages within a project. These are:

PROCESSES

• Starting Up A Project (SU);
• Initiating A Project (IP);
• Directing A Project (DP);
• Managing Stage Boundaries (SB);
• Controlling A Stage (CS);
• Managing Product Delivery (MP);
• Closing A Project (CP);
• Planning (PL) – also a Component and Technique

COMPONENTS

• Business Case;
• Organisation;
• Planning (also a Process);
• Controls;
• Management of Risk;
• Quality In A Project Environment;
• Configuration Management;
• Change Control;

TECHNIQUES

• Product-Based Planning;
• Change Controls;
• Quality Reviews;

Processes
The Processes state the minimum content that can be expected to be found in a PRINCE2 project. Exactly how the Processes are addressed within any given project is the responsibility of the organisation’s senior management and the Project Manager, but the method requires that each Process is reflected within the project one way or another.

The seven fundamental Processes have been listed above; Planning is also a Process, which is iterated and has impact across the whole of the project throughout its life. All the Processes link to Techniques, some of which are described within the method. It is anticipated that most organisations will already be using some specific techniques and PRINCE2 encourages the continued use of these where they provide value to the management decision making process. Each Process is defined in the following terms:

• The Fundamental Principles underpinning the Process;
• The Context within which the Process operates;
• An Overview of the Process;
• Responsibilities identifying accountability for the Process;
• The Information Needs required for the Process to function effectively;
• The Key Criteria which will influence the success or failure of the Process;
• Hints and Tips for carrying out the Process in the best way.

The Process-based approach is a novel feature in PRINCE2 and is the area which most differentiates it from version 1 of the method. The flexibility of the method is, however, underlined by allowing implementing organisations to choose their own destiny in terms of identifying how to meet the requirements of any given Process. In most organisations there will be little need to make changes to the way they are operating, provided effective project management through the use of PRINCE® v1 compliant procedures are already in place.

Related posts:

1. PRINCE 2
2. Summary of differences between PM methodologies
3. What is Programme Management?
4. What is Project Management?