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Real world Tailoring of PRINCE2 7 

 January 13, 2025

By  Dave Litten

PRINCE2’ 7s value is that it is a universal project management method that can be applied to take account of the project’s context, scale or size, delivery method, stakeholder landscape, complexity, importance, team capability, and level of risk.

PRINCE2 7 can be used for any project type, geography, or culture.

PRINCE2 can be used on any project because the method is designed to be applied and tailored to suit each project’s specific needs and context.

Agree PRINCE2 tailoring requirements
Agree PRINCE2 tailoring requirements

The purpose of PRINCE2 tailoring is to ensure that:

  • the project management method used is appropriate to the project (for example, aligning the method with the business processes that may govern and support the project, such as human resources, finance, and procurement)
  • project controls are appropriate to the project’s scale, complexity, importance,
    delivery method, team capability, and risk (for example, the frequency and formality of reports and reviews).

Tailoring requires the project board and the project manager to make proactive choices and decisions on how PRINCE2 will be applied.

Tailoring may also involve adjusting the terminology to match terms used by the organizations involved or replacing some of the PRINCE2 techniques (such as the
risk management technique) with alternative procedures such as those already used by the business or supplier(s).

When tailoring PRINCE2, it is important to remember that effective project management requires information (but not necessarily documents) and decisions (but not necessarily meetings).

If PRINCE2 is not tailored, it is unlikely that the project management effort and management approaches would be appropriate for the needs of the project.

This can lead to inattentive project management at one extreme, where PRINCE2 is followed without question, or ‘heroic’ project management at the other extreme, where PRINCE2 is not really followed at all.

The project manager is responsible for tailoring and will make recommendations having consulted relevant lessons and standards.

The project board is accountable and needs to approve the recommendations at the end of the initiation stage and every time there is a proposed change to
the management approaches.

How PRINCE2 will be applied and tailored for the particular project is captured in the project initiation documentation.

This ensures that all those involved in the project understand how PRINCE2 is to be used and how to carry out their responsibilities.

Care should be taken that the proposed tailoring is consistent with PRINCE2’s seven principles and that the resultant method retains its integrity.

Let’s look at an example here:

Tailoring Project Governance: A Seamless Fit for Nexora

When it comes to managing large programs, one size definitely doesn’t fit all.

That’s why Nexora, a global leader in innovation-driven projects, has tailored a governance framework that ensures decisions are made precisely where they need to be.

Think of it as customizing a suit—every layer is meticulously adjusted to fit the organization’s unique needs.

Local Adjustments: PRINCE2 Project Board

At the ground level, the project boards are like the skilled seamstresses handling individual alterations. They oversee day-to-day operations—approving stage gates, adjusting project scope, and selecting suppliers. It’s their job to ensure each project piece fits perfectly into the overall program.

Program Oversight: The Master Tailor

Above them is the “Program Board,” which acts as the master tailor. They ensure every project aligns with the overall design, maintaining cohesion across the program. This board has the authority to set tolerances, review the completion of each major deliverable (or “tranche”), and ensure the program stays on track.

Investment Decisions: The Quality Inspector

When unexpected changes arise—like a new investment that exceeds 20% of the original budget—Nexora’s “Investment Committee” steps in. This team acts like a meticulous quality inspector, reviewing and approving significant financial decisions to keep the program both effective and sustainable.

Strategic Decisions: The Creative Director

At the top of Nexora’s governance hierarchy is the “Leadership Board,” which functions like a visionary creative director.

They handle the big, strategic decisions, such as whether to pivot from B2B to end-user markets, adopt cutting-edge technologies, or restructure operations with a new DevOps department.

These decisions demand a broad, strategic focus to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.

The Result? A Perfectly Tailored Governance Model

Nexora’s governance framework is built on the principle of management by exception. Each layer operates within clearly defined authority, empowering teams to self-organize while ensuring oversight scales with the complexity of the decision.

It’s the perfect balance of control and flexibility—tailored to deliver success, every time.

Real world Tailoring of PRINCE2 7 PRINCE2 management levels and tolerances

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Dave Litten


Dave spent 25+ years as a senior project manager for UK and USA multinationals and has deep experience in project management. He now develops a wide range of Project Management Masterclasses, under the Projex Academy brand name. In addition, David runs project management training seminars across the world, and is a prolific writer on the many topics of project management.

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