Product Description

This publication provides a universally applicable project management method - the principles, processes and techniques that enable individuals and organisations to successfully deliver their projects within time, cost and quality constraints. "Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2[trademark]" forms part of a pair of publications that are the result of the PRINCE2: 2009 Project to update the PRINCE2 guidance. Its companion is "Directing Successful Projects with PRINCE2[trademark]". The title has been designed to be a role specific handbook for Project Managers, Team Managers and Project Support. The new 2009 edition: explains the principles that underpin PRINCE2; describes the PRINCE2 processes in their entirety and 'Key Themes' of project management, specific to PRINCE2, that are required for the processes to be effective; cross-references techniques that may be applied; also explains how to tailor the method; and, provides context of when and how to use PRINCE2 for different project environments (e.g. standalone or as part of a programme). Like the 2005 guidance, the book contains chapters on Starting Up a Project, Directing a Project, Initiating a Project, Controlling a Stage, Managing Product Delivery, Managing Stage Boundary and Closing a Project. In addition, the guidance also looks at the wider role of the Project Manager, including: soft skills of the project manager; leading and managing; stakeholder engagement and communication planning; organisational change management; PRINCE2 in different types of organisation and cultures; and, training needs for project teams. This title includes real world examples and illustrations in each chapter. It contains extensive appendices on the following topics: Product Descriptions; Governance; Role Definitions - Responsibilities and typical competencies by role; Product Based Planning example; and, Health Check. It also contains a list of further information and glossary - definition of acronyms and terms used.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3536 in Books
• Published on: 2009-06-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 327 pages

Customer Reviews

A refreshing improvement
The PRINCE2 project management method is now a major influence across the world, being used in 150 countries across 20,000 organisations. So this refresh has been awaited with keen interest.

My overwhelming impression is a positive one.

Its gratifying to see that the refreshed edition has followed the design approach of Managing successful programmes (Office of Government Commerce), such as there is now an earlier chapter on the Principles of PRINCE2 project management.

There are only seven principles (as with MSP). In the case of PRINCE2 they are:
Continued business justification
Learn from experience
Defined roles and responsibilities
Manage by stages
Manage by exception
Focus on products
Tailor to suit the project environment

To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling, "If you can do all those then you are a PRINCE2 Project Manager, my son."

The new PRINCE2 book is a slightly different shape and size to its predecessor. The 'old' edition was some 457 pages. This new edition is a slimmed down 327. This has been achieved largely by ditching the so-called 'sub-processes' in the process model. I understand that some of the PRINCE2 examiners are weeping and gnashing their teeth. Well, the rest of the project management community is rejoicing. I never understood the concept of 'sub-process' anyway: either it is a process or it isn't.

Tailoring is now normal. It always was, but this edition makes the point in visible, emphatic, unavoidable terms.

I like the added attention to the 'soft skills' attributes of project management such as stakeholder engagement as well the treatment of benefits. The business case chapter is good, with some useful material.

Since I was involved in helping the delivery of the original PRINCE2 book in 1996, PRINCE2 has grown and been elaborated in its intervening editions, such that it has become to many quite overwhelming and bureaucratic. This refresh is a welcome pruning back with some useful additions. It comes over clean, fresh and accessible.

I and my colleague will endorse it with our clients.

Getting Better
Previous editions of the PRINCE2 manual were very poorly designed. This one is much easier to use, though still heavy going and not as clear as it could be.

However, this is an essential reference guide to PRINCE2 as it is the official guide. Pure PRINCE2 can be bureaucratic and costly to implement, with limited benefits. However, used as a template, it has many best practice aspects which can be used to develop in-house project methods.

As far as the exams are concerned, this manual is not a substitute for formal training. However, UK employers are now asking for the qualifications on an almost universal basis, so interest can only increase.

Major step forward
As a quality reviewer for this revision of PRINCE2 I am really pleased to see the finished product. I believe this is a major step forward in making PRINCE2 more accessible to the general project management population. The new format, layout and clarity makes for a much easier read without losing the value of the methodology.

The RACI type matrix approach for each process will help countless project teams understand WHAT they have to do.

The highlighting of the focus on products and tailoring in the core principles should help reduce the urge for creating massive project bureaucracy.

I recommend this book to old and new Project Managers alike, and do not miss out on checking the appendicies and the section titled 'Further Information'. They contain great information.