Axelos is a joint venture between the government and the firm Capita (who will own 49% and 51% respectively). Axelos will be taking over from APMG after submitting the winning bid on a re-tender from the government but it's not as clean cut as just a straight replacement.

As a provider of PRINCE2 Training, ITIL Courses and MSP Training, this is big news for us here at Silicon Beach, and for the many businesses that come to us for their Best Management Practice courses.

In this post we'll briefly examine the details of the deal, and more importantly, discuss any potential impact it may have on you as either an existing or future PRINCE2 (or ITIL or MSP) Practitioner.

We decided that PRINCE2® diagrams could do with a freshen up so we've created an easy to read, standardised set of diagrams covering the 7 PRINCE2 processes to help learn PRINCE2.

Starting with the PRINCE2 Process Model and then breaking it down into each of the 7 processes.

If you've ever searched Google for 'PRINCE2 diagrams' you will know that it's not a pretty sight, and a lot of those diagrams are either too plain or impossible to decipher.

Our set of diagrams makes the PRINCE2 processes easier to understand by complimenting your PRINCE2 pre-course work and manual when preparing for your PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam.

PRINCE2 Process Model

PRINCE2 describes the steps of project management in seven processes. Any PRINCE2 project will need to address each of the processes but the extent of the application of a process should be decided on a project by project basis.

The PRINCE2 Process Model below describes the relationship between the seven processes:

Within the Directing a Project (DP) stage of PRINCE2®, authorising a project is a particularly important process.

Without it, the next stage plan cannot be approved which means that the project cannot proceed.

In this post we'll take a look in more detail at why it is a necessary process, who is responsible for each aspect and how it should be carried out.

If you'd like to find out more about PRINCE2 processes like authorising a project, try our PRINCE2 Courses.

Why is it Needed?

By using this process it means that the project board can make sure that there is:

• An acceptable Business Case in place (read 'What is a Business Case?' for more details)
• The goals and methods of the project match that of the corporate strategy
• An acceptable set of tolerances (and scope) has been set
• Risks are accepted and outlined fully
• The right controls have been set

So, you have had your plan approved and now the work needs to begin.

But have you have ever foundyou'vehanded work over only to have it run late, or receive something back that is not at all what was asked for?

How do we avoid this and ensure that work is carried out as planned?

PRINCE2® Processes

ThePRINCE2approach is to use two processes, the Project Manager uses'Controlling a Stage'to hand over the work and the Team Manager will use'Managing Product Delivery'for the development of the product. These are two separate processes because the Project Manager is responsible for managing the work of the project, not doing it! So having a separate process acts as a “firebreak” between the project manager and team manager or team.

The process starts when the Project Manager discusses the work to be done with a Team Manager or team to authorise the work package.

During this discussion, some aspects of the work need to be agreed:

Ensuring quality is upheld with PRINCE2® is an ongoing process which means it requires continuous auditing. You can learn how to do this on our PRINCE2 Training Courses.

When managing a project with PRINCE2, it is necessary to prove to the customer that along the way, all the necessary quality management was undertaken. As such it is important to follow the Quality Trail.

In this post we'll outline each step of the Quality Trail, the resultant product and how to go about enacting it.

1/ Ascertaining Customer Expectations

Product = Project Mandate/Brief

Process = Starting up a Project (SU)

What needs to be done to make the end product adequate for customers and staff?

Now you can test your knowledge of PRINCE2® with our interactive PRINCE2 Quiz!

Split into 11 bite-sized parts, this quiz tests your understanding of PRINCE2 2009 Themes and Processes.

Our PRINCE2 quiz is ideal for revision for your PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner exams or for testing your knowledge before coming on a PRINCE2 course.

 To work through our PRINCE2 quiz, use the links below:

• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 1: PRINCE2 Revision
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 2: Business Case Theme
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 3: Organisation Theme
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 4: Quality Theme
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 5: Plans Theme
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 6: Risk Theme
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 7: Change Theme
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 8: Progress Theme
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 9: Starting up and Initiating a Project
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 10: Directing a Project , Controlling a Stage and Managing Product Delivery
• PRINCE2 Quiz Part 11: Managing a Stage Boundary and Closing a Project

For comprehensive instructor-led PRINCE2 training, examination and certification, delegates should attend one of our public PRINCE2 Foundation training, PRINCE2 Practitioner training or the full qualification PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner in Brighton, UK. 

Head over to our PRINCE2 Resources page for more help with your PRINCE2 revision.

This PRINCE2 quiz is written by Silicon Beach Training and does not represent real PRINCE2 exam content.

There are plenty of blog and Twitter lists around, but for the first time here is the most complete list of Project Management communities on the web.

If you're new to project management then this is a great way to learn from others in the field and pick up some helpful advice; of course the best way to get started it with our Project Management for Beginners Course!

These resources aren't just for beginners- many of the communities include very experienced project managers who are there to help others and work on the more complicated areas of the discipline. PRINCE2 Practitioners are common in the groups which make them the perfect location to get advice passing your exam.

Without further ado here's the list, which includes all the best places that project managers connect and hang out online.

Within the Managing Product Delivery phase of the PRINCE2® framework, there are three distinct stages regarding the Work Package that must be completed and documented.

In our post 'Getting Work Done with PRINCE2' our trainer Claudine explains Work Packages in relation to the Controlling a Stage process. In this post we will outline the Managing Product Delivery aspects of Work Packages and the actions necessary for successful completion.

You can learn more about work packages in PRINCE2 on our PRINCE2 Training.

Purpose of Process

It is important to understand what the intended results of the Managing Product Delivery process are:

• To set out and decide upon the requirements with the Project Manager
• To do the work
• To keep the Project Manager updated on progress
• To sanction the completion of the work
• Make the Project Manager aware of the completion of the work

The reason it is important to know the purpose of this process is because if at any point there is contention or an issue that must be addressed, everything has been documented and carried out according to a set structure and so can be easily accessed and acknowledged.