PRINCE2® 2009

There is a lot of talk around about the “New PRINCE2” | “PRINCE2 2009” | “PRINCE2 Refresh” | “PRINCE2 Update”… call it as you wish, it is happening (as we have mentioned in this very blog). However, there is no reason to panic, because the PRINCE2 you all know and love is not changing – it is simply a case of an update to the product. Here we give you a bit of history on the methodology, as well as an answer to the question “should I wait for the new PRINCE2 to arrive to take my exam?”.

Read on!

Why is PRINCE2 so popular?

Many people think that PRINCE2 is largely adopted by UK organisations because of its origins at the CCTA (now the OGC) which first rolled out PRINCE2 as the standard to be used on all government IT projects.

In fact, from those early origins, the take up of PRINCE2 has grown at phenomenal rate, and today there are tens of thousands of PRINCE2 Practitioners around the world, from Abu Dhabi to Zimbabwe. The method’s old links with IT have long since evolved, and it is used widely in both the public and private sectors globally.

There are arguably two reasons for its ever increasing popularity. The first, of course, is that it is much simpler and more cost effective to use an existing best practice standard, and flexing it to the organisation’s needs, than it is to try and create a customised set of standards.

The second, and most important reason, is because of the high levels of compatibility that PRINCE2 has with other standards.

The International Project Management Association (IPMA) has an established and internationally accepted standard – the International Competence Baseline. This is the basis for IPMA's four-level certification program, used around the world. PRINCE2 is highly well-matched with this standard.

Meanwhile, the Project Management Institute's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK™) is a statement of the sum of knowledge within the project management profession. It has been adopted by many organisations in the USA and elsewhere as the basis for their project management.

Once again, there is a high level of compatibility between PRINCE2 and the PMBOK. Some believe the adoption of PRINCE2 enhances the implementation of the PMBOK standards by providing greater depth and structure to the establishment of project environments and by providing a more rigorous approach to the setting up, running and closing down of individual projects.

While pundits sometimes argue that PRINCE2 is only a method and does not create experienced project managers, those who have the qualification are instantly able to understand and communicate with their colleagues on project teams. And as we all know, effective communication is paramount to working harmoniously together.

The updated PRINCE2 method, which is due to be published in late Spring 2009, has been made easier to use and understand, which will no doubt spread the appeal of the method even further. A report published in January 2009 by UK financial services recruitment firm Joslin Rowe, shows an upsurge in demand for project managers in financial institutions.

The report (www.joslinrowe.com/project-manager-opportunities) says that in times of economic turmoil, organisations turn to their project and change management professionals for advice.

Should you wait for the new PRINCE2?

The answer is no – the PRINCE2 examination board, APM Group, has advised people to keep taking their exams before the new edition is published in the late Spring. Emma Jones, the Chief Examiner, says: “The principles of PRINCE2 are not changing, so although the new PRINCE2 manual will simplify the presentation of the method, the fundamental content hasn’t changed. If an organisation is using PRINCE2 then it’s far better to gain understanding of that as soon as staff need to. There will be no difference between the current qualifications and the 2009 qualifications. There will be no requirement to retrain or upgrade. All the enhancements will be easy to digest and understand simply by reading the new manual”.

However, those of you who have only the Foundation qualification - or are getting closer to taking a re-registration exam - we strongly recommend you do the training before the change happens – this is because the course will be slightly different and you it will be essential to do the 5-day training course if you wish to understand the new format.

Want to know up-to-the-minute news on the refresh? Visit the main author’s blog !