PRINCE2 Explained - Incl Prince2 Training & Qualifications
PRINCE2 Explained - Incl Prince2 Training & Qualifications
PRINCE2 Explained - Incl Prince2 Training & Qualifications
Focus on Training
Web: www.focus-on-training.co.uk
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PRINCE2 Explained
PRINCE2 is the most widely used project management approach worldwide. Its purpose is to provide a structured project management methodology which can be applied to any project situation. The methodology can be scaled to suit projects ranging from an office relocation to build of a nuclear power plant. The benefits boil down to more effective delivery of project objectives, and greater project control. For those new to PRINCE2, this Focus guide introduces key aspects of PRINCE2 and explains the associated training and qualifications that are available. If you need any
further help or advice, you will find our Project Management staff a knowledgeable, independent and friendly source of advice.
Prepared by:
Steve Twine
Managing Director Focus On Training
About:
Focus on Training specialises in provision of Best Practice training within the fields of Project Management and IT Service Management. A comprehensive range of PRINCE2, MSP, PMI, MoR, PMI, APM and ITIL courses from leading accredited training organisations can be booked at our project management site:
www.focus-on-training.co.uk
With a network of over 40 high quality training partners Focus specialises in offering you the widest choice of accredited Project and Programme Management courses in the UK, helping you achieve Best Practice performance and certification as an individual or an organisation. Steve Twine is Managing Director and leads the Project Management team at Focus. He has deep experience of complex and high profile international projects within the automotive industry
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Contents
1. Projects & Project Management
1.1. What is Project Management? 1.2. Where Project Management Fits 1.3. Skills and Competencies
2.
What is PRINCE2?
2.1. Origins and Development 2.2. What it is and what its not 2.3. Key Elements
3.
4.
5.
6. 7.
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Project managers will have many interfaces within an organisation not least with the various stakeholders, including those who have sponsored the initiative. Where there are multiple, simultaneous projects organisations may set up a Project Support Office to share specialist resources, and assist with routine project tasks.
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2. What is PRINCE2?
2.1 Origins and Development
PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments. Its purpose is to provide a structured project management methodology which can be applied to any project situation. Its origins lie in the public sector in the UK: the OGC (Office of Government Commerce) still owns the intellectual property in the official manuals. However, the method is free to use by anyone. The original version has been periodically updated, most recently in June 2009. It has grown in popularity to become the de facto standard in many organisations. Users of PRINCE2 span all sectors of the economy and all parts of the world. The manual is available in English, Chinese, Danish, Polish, Dutch, Spanish and German. PRINCE2 training and exams are undertaken in 57 countries from Argentina to Zambia. There are now more than 300,000 certified project managers who have sat and passed the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam.
Involvement of management and stakeholders at the right time Good communication channels between the project team and the organisation Agreement on the required quality in ways that can be monitored As well as improving project performance, PRINCE2 provides: A method that is teachable A method that is repeatable A method that is widely understood across, and between, organisations PRINCE2 has never claimed to turn people instantly into competent project managers. It provides a rigorous project method and a common project management language which has been of increasing value as projects span organisation boundaries and project managers move between companies. PRINCE2 is no substitute for development of project manager skills such as planning, management accounting and communication through training and years of experience.
At the heart of PRINCE2 there is a set of 7 Processes which embody the project stages from starting up to closing a project. Essential tools and approaches for PRINCE2 projects are embodied in 7 Themes; these include the Business Case which defines the justification for a project, and provides a reference point to align project execution with business objectives. There are also 7 Principles which capture the mind set which guides successful PRINCE2 project implementation; these include management stage by stage, and tailoring of the management approach to reflect the complexity and context of a project. PRINCE2 is one component in a family of best practice guidance covering other business critical functions such as IT Service Management and Change Management.
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The PRINCE2 methodology is periodically updated to reflect changes in the external environment and suggestions for improvement of the PRINCE2 manuals. This was done in both 2005 and 2009. The changes to PRINCE2 in 2009 were relatively minor, and recognition of those certified against previous releases is not affected. A separate Focus Factsheet explains the changes which were introduced.
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State the relationships between processes, deliverables, roles and the management aspects of a project
Courses: Most people studying for the Foundation Certificate choose to attend an accredited classroom training course lasting three days including the exam on the final afternoon of the event. It is an intensive course and pre-reading is usually expected. There are also 2 day course options though these will necessitate a greater level of familiarity with the Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 manual in advance of the training. As an alternative there are accredited distance learning packages which enable you to study at a time and pace which suits you. Exam: There is a multiple choice, closed book exam which lasts 1 hour. The pass mark is 35 correct questions out of 70 (there are 5 unmarked questions used for trial purposes). Pass rates for those taking the exam as part of an accredited course (classroom or elearning) are typically in excess of 95%.
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Courses: In order to obtain the Practitioner certificate you must first have passed the Foundation exam. The most popular route to Practitioner certification is a 5 day course which combines training for both Foundation and Practitioner elements and which includes both exams. Alternatively, there are 2 or 3 day conversion courses for those who have previously passed the Foundation exam. These will include the Practitioner exam. Accredited e-learning is also available. However, for the Practitioner qualification we recommend use of a blended package which includes a classroom workshop prior to taking the exam. Exam: It is a form of multiple choice exam where the marks for each question are graduated according to the answer chosen. The PRINCE2 manual is the only book allowed and the exam lasts 2.5 hours. There are 9 scenario based questions with 12 marks available per question. The pass mark is 59 correct questions out of 108.
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4.2 E-Learning
Online Learning is the preferred option for individuals wishing to study PRINCE2 at their own pace from home, and for companies looking for a cost-effective and flexible training format. Focus offers a wide range of online learning packages from leading specialist providers. Visit the Focus website to compare different accredited products to ensure you find the solution that best meets your requirements.
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may be relevant, depending upon your career direction. The following are popular examples:
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The course fee includes: Pre-course reading PRINCE2 manual (if required) Exam fees and registration Course materials Refreshments and lunch (usually)
VAT is not included
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PAY LATER Step 1 - Reserve your Place 1. Choose your Course 2. Click Book 3. Click Reserve a Place We will double check course availability and well reserve a provisional place for you. You have not made a firm commitment at this stage, it's just like asking a hotel to provisionally hold a room for you. Most courses book up quickly, so you will now need to organise your payment as soon as possible Step 2 -Confirm your Booking by Organising your Payment We can accept most credit/debit cards, cheque or bank transfer We will confirm your booking, and you will be subject to our booking terms and conditions Step 3 - Receive your Course Pack and Joining Instructions You will be sent Joining Instructions These will contain all the information that you need e.g. start times and a location map You will also receive your Pre-Course Study material Any Questions - Just Ask ! Email our Bookings Team on [email protected] or call on 0845 450 6120
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6. FAQs
Does my course include the manual and exam? Yes. Foundation, Conversion, Practitioner and Re-registration courses all include the relevant exam(s). The official Manual is provided for those embarking on Foundation or combined Foundation & Practitioner courses. Note that you will only need one of the two manuals Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 2009 Edition. Can I take a Conversion course if my Foundation was based on the previous release of PRINCE2? Yes. However you will need to buy the latest manual and we would recommend a 3 day rather than a 2 day conversion course. For how long is my PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification valid? Your qualification will be valid for up to 5 years. You may start the reregistration process any time after 3 years. Why does the same course vary in price? Focus represents a number of accredited course providers; they use different venues and have differing overheads so our prices do vary. However, you will study the same outline, sit the same examination, and gain the same qualification. It just comes down to which is most convenient for you. What happens if I cancel my booking? Focus will make every effort to find an alternative course. If you cancel a confirmed booking within 25 working days of the course then part or all of the course fee is at risk (see our terms and conditions). How long do the exam results take to come through? This varies from course to course. Foundation paper results are usually given out immediately, but the Practitioner papers are sent away for marking and may take 2-4 weeks. What are the average pass rates on your courses? The typical pass rates for PRINCE2 exams are approximately 99% at Foundation level. Practitioner rates have averaged 90% during the past year. Focus only uses accredited providers with a higher than national pass rate. Do you offer discount for group bookings? Discount is calculated for bookings of 3 or more once the exact course details are known. It is also worth checking our special offers page regularly.
If you have any further questions please dont hesitate to contact a member of the Focus team.
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7. PRINCE2 Resources
7.1 Contact Focus
Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Mail: 0845 450 6120 0870 855 5321 [email protected] www.focus-on-training.co.uk Focus on Training First Floor Olympus House Werrington Centre Peterborough PE4 6NA On-Line Assessment
http://www.focus-on-training.co.uk/sample-exam-paper-quiz/
The Focus website includes FREE quizzes which you can use to check how you would perform if you took the PRINCE2 exams today
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The official PRINCE2 website http://www.best-management-practice.com Comprehensive and up to date information with respect to PRINCE2, ITIL, MSP and MoR. This is provided by the UK Government's Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in partnership with APMG (OGC's official accreditor) and TSO (OGC's official publisher)
http://www.pmforum.org
A web site with resources, templates, advice and links for project managers http://www.p2ug.com A useful interactive forum and resource to support PRINCE2 and project management http://blog.focus-on-training.co.uk/category/project-management/prince2/ PRINCE2 postings on the Focus blog
Booking with Focus makes more sense: A course close to home avoids hotel and travel We offer more choice than anyone Our training partners achieve above average pass marks We can provide independent advice Booking is online and fast
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