International Research Confirms PRINCE2 Framework and PRINCE2 Advantages Underpin Project Success

HIGH WYCOMBE, England, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The APM Group http://www.apmg-international.com OGC's official Accreditor has published the results of research into industry perceptions of the PRINCE2 framework and specifically the PRINCE2 advantages, undertaken by Queensland University of Technology and in conjunction with the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and TSO.

Over 500 project managers were approached, all of whom were experienced PRINCE2 project managers from the UK, US, Europe and Australia and working across diverse industry sectors such as ICT, Construction and Transport.

The research methodology was 'Concept Mapping' – a process using brainstorming, sorting and cluster analysis to ascertain and rank the concepts according to participant agreement. Statements are then ranked on a scale from 1 (low agreement) to 5 (high agreement).

Research Results Summary:

There was strong agreement that the PRINCE2 project management methodology is a very robust, comprehensive and pragmatic project management framework, which underwrites project success.

Major PRINCE2 advantages included:

Attention paid to the business case to ensure continuing project viability

Extremely strong frameworks and manuals

Extensive guidance offered on project governance

Comprehensive definition of roles and responsibilities

The respondents who were not PRINCE2-accredited identified their own project frameworks as lacking in areas such as risk management, business case definition and requirements management.

But despite this favourable comparison for PRINCE2, there was an acknowledgement that deployment of PRINCE2 frameworks was often constrained by insufficient stakeholder buy-in. Staff with no decision-making authority were often delegated to and organisations were generally criticised for not giving sufficient priority to project governance.

Background and Commentary

PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE) is a process-based approach for project management providing an easily tailorable, scaleable method for the management of all types of projects. Although its origins began in the UK in 1996, the PRINCE2 framework has now established a global reach.

Alan Harpham, Chairman of APM Group comments, "In light of the current economic climate the world's project managers are under incredible scrutiny and significant pressure to ensure their projects deliver quality on time and on budget. The research highlights that the PRINCE2 project management methodology and the associated PRINCE2 advantages help them achieve this."

Harpham continues, "Although its origins began in the UK, the PRINCE2 framework now has a truly international reach. We are delighted that the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has undertaken this global, thorough and informative research project into PRINCE2 advantages. While it highlights the PRINCE2 advantages, the report also looks at the challenges organizations face when using a project management method such as PRINCE2."

The APM Group works closely with the Office of Government Commerce and with TSO, its official publisher, to deliver certification schemes in OGC's Best Practice Methodologies.

For further information on this research visit www.PRINCE-officialsite.com

PRINCE2® is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the UK and other countries.

About The APM Group

The APM Group (APMG) is a global business providing accreditation and certification services. Through its international network of Accredited Consultancy and Training Organisations APMG helps end users develop their professional skills and organisations improve their processes through the adoption of worldwide best practice. 

APMG is the only organisation offering professional qualifications in Programme and Project management with third party independent accreditation through the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). APMG works closely with the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and TSO (The Stationery Office Ltd), their official publisher in running global accreditation schemes in the PRINCE2 project management methodology, MSP (Managing Successful Programmes), M_o_R® (Management Of Risk)  and ITIL® (IT Infrastructure Library).

Other partners include The Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and the UK's Chartered Management Institute.

For further details about APMG's qualification and accreditation schemes visit: www.apmgroup.co.uk or call + 44 (0)1494 452450

SOURCE The APM Group