PRINCE2 2009 - Tailoring PRINCE2 part 42
of the Cabinet Office under delegated authority from the Controller of HMSO.
Tailoring PRINCE2 to the project environment
Project management Bodies of Knowledge
PRINCE2® should not be confused with a Body of Knowledge (BoK):
- PRINCE2 is an integrated project management method providing a set of processes and themes that can be applied to manage a project from start to finish
- A Body of Knowledge covers the broad spectrum of project management competencies and techniques that Project Managers may need to apply, such as leadership and negotiation.
The comparison between PRINCE2 and a Body of Knowledge (BoK), such as the Association for Project Management’s Body of Knowledge, the Project Management Institute’s PMBoK or the International Project Management Association’s Competency Baselines, can be seen below.
| PRINCE2 | Body of Knowledge |
|---|---|
| A project management method | A broad collection of ‘good practices’ for project management |
| Prescriptive | Non-prescriptive |
| An integrated set of processes and themes (they are not isolated silos that can be selectively applied) | Each topic area can be referred to in isolation from others |
| Covers all project management roles | Targeted at Project Managers |
| Does not cover interpersonal skills | Covers interpersonal skills |
| References techniques | Describes techniques |
The differences between PRINCE2 (a method) and a BoK make them highly complementary.
PRINCE2 provides a framework of what needs to be done, by whom and by when.
The BoK provides a range of techniques of how those things can be done.
For example, in PRINCE2 a critical step in creating a plan is estimating.
PRINCE2 does not say how estimating should be done as there are a number of techniques that can be applied depending on the project context, whereas a BoK provides an explanation and analysis of the range of estimating techniques available so that the planner can judge which one is most suitable to use.
Tailoring PRINCE2 if the organization is aligned to any particular BoK should include:
- Agreeing a single set of terms to apply. For example, in the Association for Project Management’s Body of Knowledge, the steering group is equivalent to PRINCE2’s Project Board
- Aligning PRINCE2’s management products with any management products recommended by the BoK. For example, in PMBoK the project charter is equivalent to PRINCE2’s Project Brief.
Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 - 2005 edition
Managing successful Projects with PRINCE2 – 2009 edition
Directing Projects with PRINCE2.
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