Review: PRINCE2 Handbook

Mike Acaster, Neil Glover and Allan Thomson compiled this PRINCE2 Handbook using the 2017 update of Managing successful Projects with PRINCE2.

It’s a handy, concise (A6) 82 pages booklet. It follows the official manual, and gives you a comprehensive overview of PRINCE2. After an introduction regarding projects in general, the role of senior management and the project manager, the six controls (costs, timescales, quality, scope, benefits and risk) and the structure of PRINCE2 you get an overview of the principles, tailoring, themes, processes and considerations for organizational adopting.

The principles provide a framework of good practice. All seven principles are explained: continued business justification, learn from experience, defined roles and responsibilities, mange by stages, manage by exception, focus on products, tailor to suit the project.

Tailoring can be applied to processes, themes, roles, management products and terminology.

Themes describe aspects of project management that must be addressed continually as the project progresses through its lifecycle. All seven themes are discussed in detail; Business case, organization, quality, plans, risk, change and progress.

PRINCE2 is a process-based approach for project management. A process is a structured set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective. There are seven processes in PRINCE2 which provide the set of activities required to direct, manage and deliver a project successfully. All processes and underlaying activities are described: starting up a project, directing a project, initiating a project, controlling a project, managing product delivery and closing a project.

In a separate chapter you get considerations for adopting PRINCE2. Tailoring PRINCE2 to create an organization’s method and embedding the tailored method within the organization.

In the appendices you find explanations of all management products, roles and responsibilities and a glossary.

 Conclusion: a concise quick-reference guide with an overview of PRINCE2. But not enough if you are studying for PRINCE2 foundation.

To order: PRINCE2 Handbook

To order: Managing successful Projects with PRINCE2