PRINCE2 is a structured method that gives a clear but very flexible approach to running projects and builds in the things that work well. PRINCE2 helps you do the job of running a project, and also helps you avoid messing up. Whether you’re very experienced in running projects, or absolutely new to it, you’ll find PRINCE2 very powerful and may go on to become a PRINCE2 fanatic like me. Well, hopefully not as fanatical, but certainly enthusiastic! Enthusiastic because this stuff really works. The Foundation Certificate is intended to show that you understand the terminology of the method and the how all the elements of PRINCE2 work, for example how themes are used during projects, and also how the elements work together. For example, how does the principle of ‘manage by exception’ fit into the processes?

PRINCE2 For Dummies - Nick Graham - Google Books PRINCE2 For Dummies - Nick Graham - Google Books

More than just a basic guide to understanding PRINCE2 Certification, this book will guide you through each step of your project. You get explanations and suggestions regarding planning, establishing job roles, and how to properly close out your project. With easy-to-understand, very practical advice, this reference allows you to approach your project with key concerns, such as risk and quality control in mind. You must have seen newspaper reports of projects that have gone wrong, resulting in a waste of money, lost opportunities and disappointed people. The big question is: ‘Do projects have to be like this?’ The short answer is a resounding, ‘NO!’ That’s a pretty bold statement given the scale and complexity of some projects. But the fact remains that the underlying causes of project failure are generally very well known – and, interestingly, so are strategies to prevent those problems and to help plan and control projects more effectively. You may be concerned that you’ll not have enough time to answer all the questions, particularly if it’s been a while since you last sat an exam. Time management is significant in the Foundation exam, but timing isn’t usually a big problem. You should have enough time to answer all the questions. In all the years I’ve been teaching PRINCE2, I’ve only ever known four or five people time out in the Foundation exam. If you end up being another one though, in Chapter 2 you’ll find some advice about managing your time in the closing minutes of the exam. PRINCE2 is for big projects only: No, actually it zips down to a very small size and you can use it on very small projects. For example, its design allows for very informal use, so while it has a number of reports, these reports can be verbal. The Project Management Team (P.M.T.) is responsible for managing all aspects of a project, including identifying what needs to be done and deciding how it should be done. The P.M.T. includes members from different departments who bring their expertise and experience to the table. The P.M.T. is led by an experienced Project Manager—someone who has gone through PRINCE2 Foundation training and has had years of experience working on projects.If you need a book that explains to you PRINCE2 concepts in an easy-to-understand format this will be an apt choice for you. The PRINCE2 Foundation Certificate, then, is intended to show that the holder understands the principles and terminology of the method. The questions are fact based, not opinion based, so the ‘right’ answer will have been taken from the manual. The logistics of the exam are set down in the panel. Understanding the structure of the paper Once all risks have been identified and defined by both parties involved in this project (client/vendor), they can prepare their plans based on agreed-upon parameters such as cost estimates, timelines for completing tasks, etc. 4. PRINCE2 Themes A Project Manager leads a team of people working together towards a common goal: delivering great products and services to customers. They're responsible for managing all aspects of projects from start to finish, keeping the team, stakeholders aligned on the end goal while helping everyone involved stay productive, motivated, and happy throughout the process.

PRINCE2 For Dummies by Nick Graham - Ebook | Scribd PRINCE2 For Dummies by Nick Graham - Ebook | Scribd

In case you’re not too sure about methods, this section sets the scene and shows you that you already use methods, and even that you quite like them. Part 1 also covers how to get the power out of PRINCE2, so it’s a good dipping section. Part II: Working Through Your Project Questions are at Practitioner level. In fact, currently thepractice is to build the paper using three of the nine sections of the full Practitioner exam running on the same day. I explain the question styles in Chapter 2.If you’re unclear on any part of the method and can’t fathom that bit of the manual, you might like to get a copy of the companion to this book, PRINCE2 For Dummies. Lots of people have commented very kindly that PRINCE2 For Dummies makes the method easier to understand and they’ve found it a real help when learning. It explains the method in a much more practical way than a manual can. For thorough exam preparation . . . well that’s where this book fits right in. To help you find relevant explanations in PRINCE2 For Dummies and the appropriate section of the PRINCE2 manual, cross references are included in the text ofthe book. In this part I set out the idea of a method and how the PRINCE2 method can really help you plan and control your projects. Method isn’t an extra overhead, it’s a powerhouse. I also show how the different bits of the method fit together – the structure – and how to apply it so that it works for you every time, no matter what type or size of project you happen to be working on this time around. Chapter 1 So What’s a Project Method and Why Do I Need to Use One? In This Chapter You can accuse me of being simplistic here, but if that’s the worst insult I ever have to face I’ll have an easy life indeed. Most of the problems have obvious solutions. Don't forget about Project Management Information System (P.M.I.S.)! This is where you'll keep all your information about the project in one place, so it is easy to access when you need it most. The PRINCE2 method can seem a bit fragmented at first, especially in the 2009 edition of the PRINCE2 manual which doesn’t help too much. But when you see how all the parts fit together as you read this edition of PRINCE2 For Dummies then it’ll make sense. Parts II and III of this book look at the various elements of the method, but this chapter ranges across the whole of PRINCE2 at a higher level so that you can see how it all slots together.