For training call +44(0)1273 6222 72
Written by Andy Trainer – Thu 19 Jul 2012
The word “theme” is used in PRINCE2® to refer to the various crucial aspects of a project, why they should be a priority, and how they should be controlled. They are known as themes because they are referred back to throughout the whole PRINCE2 process.
The PRINCE2 themes are Business Case, Organisation, Plans, Progress, Risk, Quality and Change. A few weeks ago, I talked about the Plans theme of PRINCE2, and now it’s time to outline the Quality theme. Of course, we go through all the PRINCE2 themes and processes in our PRINCE2 training courses, to equip you to pass the exams and to give you real-world knowledge that you can apply as soon as you return to work.
Quality of the output is a priority within PRINCE2 projects - and of course for all business owners, CEOs and project managers. Once the customer’s expectations of quality have been identified, standards will be documented and processes put in place to check throughout the project lifecycle that these quality standards are going to be met. Part of the quality theme is ensuring that these processes are being used correctly.
Written by Andy Trainer – Wed 20 Jun 2012
The Plans theme is fundamental to the PRINCE2® methodology - the other themes (business case, organisation, quality, risk, change and progress) all depend on effective planning before, during and even after each project. A good plan will facilitate communication and control throughout the whole project life cycle.
Effective and structured planning also ensures that everyone involved in the project has the same information to work from and refer to. Crucially, in PRINCE2, all plans are created on a product-based technique – the final objective is identified first and then the plan is made of how to deliver this product.
Our PRINCE2 courses cover all of the PRINCE2 themes in detail, with a focus on real-life application of this knowledge.
PRINCE2 can be applied to all scales of project, but detailed planning can be difficult for lengthier projects. If this is the case, the project will be broken down into smaller stages, and each of these will have separate plans. The planning horizon is the agreed length of time for which it is appropriate – or possible – to plan in detail.
The different types of plans in a PRINCE2 project will follow a similar structure, in order to be easily accessible to everyone involved in the project. The level of detail that goes into each level of plan is determined by the scale of the project.
Written by Andy Trainer – Thu 18 Nov 2010
We have two free PRINCE2® eBooks to help you prepare for and pass your exams, click the links below to download and start learning:
This eBook will take you through the PRINCE2 methods of managing a project from start to finish. A great PRINCE2 revision guide.
This eBook will help you prepare for your PRINCE2 Pratitioner Exam.
These are excellent free PRINCE2 Training revision guide to help you prepare for your exam and can be downloaded on your computer, mobile and tablet to carry around where you need them.
Our PRINCE2 eBooks have been written by our expert PRINCE2 trainers, drawing on years of experience.
PRINCE2 is a structured method for effective project management. It is the standard used extensively by the UK Government and is widely recognised and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally. Silicon Beach Training provides a range of PRINCE2 Trainingcourses in Brighton, Sussex, including PRINCE2 Practitioner Training and PRINCE2 Foundation Training.
For more resources like these visit our PRINCE2 Resources section.
PRINCE2, the method, is in the public domain, offering non-proprietary best-practice guidance on project management. PRINCE2 is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited.
Written by Andy Trainer – Thu 12 Jul 2007
PRINCE2® Themes – Organisation
The purpose of the Organisation theme is to define and establish the project’s structure of accountability and responsibilities (the who?).
There are four layers of management in a project:
© Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced under Licence from OGC
Some of the PRINCE2 roles cannot be shared or delegated. The Project Manager role cannot be shared or the decision making roles and responsibilities of the Project Board or Project Manager.
Written by Andy Trainer – Thu 12 Jul 2007
The purpose of the Risk theme is to identify, assess and control uncertainty and, as a result, improve the ability of the project to succeed.
Risk taking in projects is inevitable since projects are enablers of change and change introduces uncertainty, hence risk. Management of risk should be systematic and not based on chance. It is about the proactive identification, assessment and control of risks that might affect the delivery of the project’s objectives.
The project should establish and maintain a cost effective risk management procedure. The aim is to support better decision making through a good understanding of risks – their causes, likelihood, impact, timing, and the choice of responses to them.
Management of risk is a continual activity, performed throughout the life of the project. Without an ongoing and effective risk management procedure it is not possible to give confidence that the project is able to meet its objectives and therefore whether it is worthwhile for it to continue. Hence effective risk
management is a prerequisite of the continued business justification principle.
For risk management to be effective, risks need to be:
© Crown Copyright 2009. Reproduced under Licence from OGC
PRINCE2 recommends a risk management procedure comprising the following five steps:
The first four steps are sequential, with the ’Communicate’ step running in parallel because the findings of any of the other steps may need to be communicated prior to the completion of the overall process. All of the steps are iterative in nature in that when additional information becomes available, it is often necessary to revisit earlier steps and carry them out again to achieve the most effective result.
In addition to our PRINCE2 Courses we can also arrange Risk Management course on a private basis on dates to suit.
A flexible, cost-effective way to gain your AgilePM, PRINCE2 & MSP qualifications online with our APMG accredited AgilePM eLearning, PRINCE2 eLearning & MSP eLearning packages.
ITIL®, PRINCE2®, PRINCE2 Agile®, MSP®, M_o_R®, P3O®, MoP®, MoV® courses on this website are offered by The Knowledge Academy, ATO of AXELOS Limited. ITIL®, PRINCE2®, PRINCE2 Agile®, MSP®, M_o_R®, P3O®, MoP®, MoV® are registered trade marks of AXELOS Limited. All rights reserved.