Blog posted by: Mike Boutel - Head of Training, PM-Partners, 09 November 2023.
For organizations running projects, PRINCE2 7 offers the opportunity to adopt a method that, with the right training and consultancy support, ensures projects are executed correctly.
As business strategy today typically unfolds incrementally, the new guidance seamlessly aligns with organizations' objectives, helping them achieve project success and meet their strategic goals.
An essential aspect of the updated best practice is its ability to appeal to a broader audience. PRINCE2 7 should cater not only to current project managers but also to every member of a project management team, including team members, suppliers, sponsors, project board members, and other key stakeholders. Furthermore, it should be regarded as a valuable resource for executive assistants and individuals overseeing small, discrete projects, be it in marketing, software, or product development.
Sustainable project management for a new generation
One notable addition in PRINCE2 7 is the incorporation of sustainability, which is not only crucial for project managers to consider but also a pertinent topic for a new generation of professionals.
However, the guidance could potentially delve even deeper into this area, especially in a country like Australia, one of the world's largest coal producers, where sustainability efforts are still in their infancy.
It's commendable that PRINCE2 7 now places the "people" aspect at its core. People pose the primary challenge in project management, and it is encouraging to see the guidance explicitly address this as part of the best practice approach.
The adaptation of the language of PRINCE2 to provide a contextual understanding of best practice is also welcome. It emphasizes how a project can be a part of a broader transformation or a small change initiative. Furthermore, the inclusion of four case studies throughout the book, which relate to the final exam, ensures continuity and helps trainers convey the knowledge effectively to candidates.
Enjoying the benefits of best practice project management
So, how will these improvements in PRINCE2 7 support the work of both existing and new project managers?
To begin with, it breaks down barriers for those who might view PRINCE2 as bureaucratic. As it has evolved, professionals recognize its flexibility, tailoring capabilities, and user-friendly nature, enabling them to manage projects adaptably without an excessive burden of processes.
When people and their respective companies adopt PRINCE2 as intended, they can transcend the perception of project management as a mere box-ticking exercise and fully reap its benefits.
By investing in employees' understanding of best practices and enhancing their skills, organizations can conduct projects more efficiently, with reduced costs, lower risks, and superior outcomes. Consequently, project management offices (PMOs) can identify and replicate successful practices in future projects, while individual staff members are continually developing themselves and are more likely to remain committed to the company.
As consultants, we can assure companies that these compelling reasons underscore the significance of utilizing PRINCE2. It is, therefore, up to them to embrace it and capitalize on these advantages.