In the world of project management, you have to come across two methodologies that are PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile. These two are well-established project management methodologies that support and work for different types of projects. This PRINCE2 team dynamic is a highly structured approach that focuses on clear guidelines, responsibility, and risk management. PRINCE2 Agile, on the other hand, promotes agile flexibility by combining PRINCE2's robust framework with its adaptability to agile principles. The result is a more solution approach, ideal for projects that require real-time development.
So how is it different? Which one should you choose for your project? Let's delve into the main differences. Strengths of each project and the types of projects where each framework truly shines. This allows you to evaluate better which approach meets the needs of your team and the nature of the work you are managing.
Understanding PRINCE2 and Its History
PRINCE2 is a project management method that uses a linear, process-based approach for managing projects of any size and complexity. It's an acronym for "PRojects IN Controlled Environments".
PRINCE2 is used by the UK government and is widely recognised in the private sector. It's based on the experience of project management professionals worldwide.
PRINCE2 was first developed in 1989 by the UK Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA). PRINCE2 is based on the Project Resource Organisation Management Planning Technique (PROMPT), a method used by the UK government for information systems projects.
This CCTA licensed PROMPT from Simpact Systems Ltd, a private company, and renamed it PRINCE, which stood for "PROMPT II IN the CCTA Environment.
In 1996, PRINCE2 was published as a general project management method after being rewritten to remove IT-specific jargon.
From that time up to now, PRINCE2 has undergone several updates,
- PRINCE2:2009 Refresh: Published in 2009
- PRINCE2 2017 Update: Released in 2017, this update focussed on scalability and flexibility
- PRINCE2 7: The most recent update was published in September 2023
PRINCE2 is now a practice standard for project management in many UK government departments and in the United Nations system. It helps develop skills such as communication, leadership, planning and risk management.
PRINCE2 is a good option for beginners as it contains core project management principles, such as Project scope and budget setting, critical path management, resource management and task management.
PRINCE2 is flexible and can be customised to any project. PRINCE2 is also designed for uncertainty, with principles that focus on learning lessons throughout the process and planning accordingly.
Check out What is PRINCE2 Certification and How Is it Beneficial
PRINCE 2 Agile and Its History
PRINCE2 Agile is a project management methodology that combines the structure of PRINCE2 with the flexibility of Agile. It was introduced in 2015 by AXELOS, the owner of PRINCE2, in response to growing interest in integrating PRINCE2 with agile methods.
It's designed to help organisations combine these two seemingly opposing but complementary disciplines.
Here are some details about PRINCE2 Agile:
Purpose
PRINCE2 Agile is designed to help teams deliver projects on time and within budget while adapting to changing requirements.
Features
PRINCE2 Agile supports existing Agile delivery methods, such as Scrum and Kanban. It also provides generic guidelines for common behaviours in Agile environments.
Benefits
PRINCE2 Agile is popular with project management teams in many industries. It can help improve candidature and career prospects in the project management industry.
What is Agile's way of working
Agile working is a flexible, informal working approach that promotes collaboration, communication and autonomy. It is based on the principles of the Agile Manifesto and can contribute to a better work-life balance.
Here are some characteristics of agile working:
- Decentralised: Employees have more responsibility and are less restricted.
- Freeform: Work is not defined by time, space, role or collaboration.
- Value-based: Agile working focuses on values such as communication, collaboration and autonomy.
- User-orientated: Decisions are made with the involvement of those who have the relevant expertise, not just the highest level.
- Iterative: Projects are divided into dynamic phases or sprints to achieve continuous improvement.
- Trial and error: What works and what doesn't is determined by trial and error.
Agile working can benefit many types of teams, and when the Agile mindset is adopted by all, the entire organisation can benefit.
Read more: Why Use Agile Project Management?
Why PRINCE2 Agile Method Was Created Over PRINCE2
PRINCE2 Agile was developed by combining the capabilities of PRINCE2, a structured project management methodology. The approach to flexibility and agile adaptability is based on a simple idea, which is outlined below.
Need for flexibility: The traditional PRINCE2 method is well suited to projects that are controlled and predictable. However, it may not be very flexible for projects where requirements change frequently. Agile methods, on the other hand, are flexible and can adapt to changing requirements. PRINCE2 Agile allows you to respond to change and work with the structure of PRINCE2
Speed and responsiveness: Agile methods such as Scrum or Kanban emphasise getting work done quickly and in small, manageable chunks. Rather than waiting until the end of the project, combining these methods with PRINCE2 helps teams achieve faster results and respond quickly to feedback, which is important in today's fast-changing environment...
Reducing the risk of failure: Agile teams place a high value on collaboration and feedback. This helps them to focus on what the customer or end-user actually wants. Complementing PRINCE2 with an agile methodology helps to keep projects on track and fulfil stakeholder requirements even if these needs change.
Support for a wide range of projects: Some projects require the structure and documentation of PRINCE2, while others need the flexibility of Agile. PRINCE2 Agile helps organisations. This approach can be tailored to the type of project. Whether it is a project with a high structure, very flexible or in between
In short, PRINCE2 Agile is designed to combine the best of both worlds: the structured methodology of PRINCE2 with the speed and adaptability of Agile methods to help project teams better manage change and create value faster without sacrificing structure
Check out PRINCE2 Certification Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
PRINCE2 VS PRINCE2 AGILE Differences and Comparisons
Both PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile are project management methodologies, but they differ in their approach, flexibility and suitability for different types of projects:
Approach
PRINCE2 is a traditional, waterfall-like approach that plans and executes projects sequentially. PRINCE2 Agile is an iterative, incremental approach that allows for flexibility and adaptability.
Focus
PRINCE2 focuses on strategy and decision-making, while PRINCE2 Agile focuses on responsiveness. Independence and speed
Flexibility
PRINCE2 Agile is more flexible than PRINCE2 and is therefore better suited to projects where changes or requirements may be unclear.
Advantages
PRINCE2 is better suited to large and important projects, while PRINCE2 Agile is better suited to projects that require a flexible and agile approach.
Role
PRINCE2 Agile introduces additional roles, such as the Agile Coach, to help project teams understand and implement agile practices.
Complexity
PRINCE2 Agile is more complex than PRINCE2 and requires a deeper understanding of PRINCE2 and the agile principles.
Other differences
PRINCE2 is more complex and requires more documentation than PRINCE2 Agile. It also takes a more formal approach to risk management, whereas PRINCE2 Agile takes a more informal approach.
Additional roles
PRINCE2 Agile introduces additional roles, such as the Agile Coach, to ensure that project teams understand and implement agile practices appropriately.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | PRINCE2 | PRINCE2 Agile |
| Approach | Waterfall | Iterative and Incremental |
| Focus | Business goals | Customer requirements |
| Structure | Plan-based | Product-based |
| Nature | Predictive | Adaptive |
| Organisation | Doesn't advocate how teams should be organised | Focuses on self-organisation of teams |
| Change response | More resistant | Can respond rapidly |
| Risk Management | Proactive risk identification and management | Reactive risk management, often handled within iterations |
| Documentation | Extensive documentation throughout the project lifecycle | Less formal documentation focused on the product backlog and iteration plans |
| Team Roles | Clearly defined project roles and responsibilities | More flexible roles and responsibilities, emphasising team collaboration |
| Customer Involvement | Less frequent customer involvement, primarily during project initiation and closure | Frequent customer involvement, especially during iteration planning and review |
Read more PRINCE2 Vs PRINCE2 Agile
Conclusion
The choice between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile certifications depends largely on the nature of your project, team dynamics and organisational objectives.
PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification is ideal for traditional projects with clear, stable objectives and well-defined scope. It emphasises structured planning, governance and risk management and is therefore suitable for projects in controlled, predictable environments. This certification is well suited to organisations that require a rigorous approach to project management and do not wish to adopt Agile practices.
PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner Certification, on the other hand, combines the basic PRINCE2 framework with Agile principles, making it a good choice for projects where adaptability and responsiveness are key. PRINCE2 Agile incorporates concepts such as shorter cycles, continuous improvement and frequent feedback to help teams respond to change and focus on incremental delivery of value. This certification is best suited to dynamic environments where requirements can change, and teams work closely with stakeholders to refine project objectives as the project progresses.
If you already hold a PRINCE2 Foundation Certification, this PRINCE2 Agile Foundation and Practitioner Certification can be an excellent addition to the transition to Agile methods. Likewise, those who already have an Agile background can benefit from PRINCE2 Agile as it provides a structured governance approach.
In short, if your project needs clear structure and predictability, PRINCE2 is the way to go. If adaptability and incremental progress are more important, PRINCE2 Agile is better for you. Each certification has its strengths, so you should tailor your choice to the specific requirements of your project and organisation.
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