Thoughts from the PRINCE2: 2009 Review Group
Howard Joseph - Home Office
"Anyone who has ever tried to get project sponsors to understand how best to engage with PPM techniques, such as those in PRINCE2, will tell you that those sponsors unfamiliar with PPM find it difficult to relate to PPM methodologies and can become impatient with those who speak such an unfamiliar language. Sponsors usually have busy day jobs and can't devote time to learning detailed process (and usually don't need to do so). The idea of a bespoke volume of PRINCE2 for those directing projects is a sensible one. While sponsors do not need to be an expert in application of PRINCE2 techniques, they do need to know what those techniques are and how best to engage with them. Only then can they truly steer direction and have more meaningful conversations with the project manager and other staff in the project team."
Howard is Head of Project Management Skills for the Home Office. He is a member of the exam panel for APMG's Programme and Project Sponsor qualification, which is based on his work with sponsors of Home
Office projects and programmes.
Noel Scott - Symantec
"My overall thoughts after reviewing the new version of PRINCE2 for Managing Projects were extremely positive. I was very pleased to see the reduction in the emphasis on the subprocesses. As a methodology I think PRINCE2 is great, but it can run the risk of looking too scholarly and not real-world. The reduction in the focus on the sub-processes I felt has ensured it avoids that trap.
I enjoyed that this was now directed more towards the PM and the project team doing the work, while the board have a separate, lighter book specifically guiding them on their responsibilities.
I am also very pleased to see more information and emphasis on people skills than in the current PRINCE2 manual. It does remember that people, and therefore people skills, are at the heart of projects, and so does go further than before in stating this obvious, yet all too often forgotten, principle."
Noel is a PRINCE2 practitioner specialising in managing projects within the contact centre industry.
Philip Rushbrook - Cabinet Office
"It is only when you do not have something that you truly appreciate it. One such example is the sensible and structured approach to managing projects laid out by PRINCE2. As I write this piece I am a long way from the UK reviewing the progress and achievements from various high cost projects. This is a non-PRINCE environment and all the common, predictable problems in project design, execution and delivery of tangible products can be found. I keep telling myself 'if only they had employed the disciplines of the PRINCE2 it would make the project managers' lives easier. Looking more closely, many senior decision-makers seem unfamiliar with project management so the innovation of the PRINCE2 'Directing a Project' publication is enthusiastically welcomed. For the first time there is a document tailored to improving the understanding of directors about structured project management, describes their important roles and explains how they can contribute constructively during a project cycle. It is an innovation that is long overdue and has the potential to make PRINCE2 more accessible at the very top of organisations. I particularly like the idea of a snappy ten-minute guide for directors: perhaps a spin-off pocket book in the making!"
A Deputy Director at the Cabinet Office and formerly Head of Knowledge, Innovation, Standards and Skills at OGC (Note: Currently on a short-term attachment to an international organisation in the field somewhere in East Africa).
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed at solely the personal views of the author and do not represent those of any organisation.
