In this three-part article series, I will cover the four integrated elements, when theme content is used, how PRINCE2 processes fit project stages, and how both themes and processes support the principles.
By a country mile, the most common question, and indeed the voice of concern, was, “I think I understand the PRINCE2 processes and themes, but how does it all fit together?”
So if you are struggling to learn the details of the PRINCE2 two exam standard and how it all fits together, do not worry – as I can help you navigate the PRINCE2 maze.
You may have yet to revise all the practices and processes, and you are already concerned that you cannot see how the method fits together. Even as an advanced experienced PRINCE2 tutor, integration of PRINCE2 is not easy, and it can be hard to appreciate how the method works.
When you have learned the detail of the method, you will reach a point where it all makes sense – and this series of articles intends to do just that.
Even if you are familiar with Starting Up a Project and Initiating a Project, you may still need help relating the different elements.
For example, one of the questions buzzing around your head may trigger the project brief.
The five integrated elements of PRINCE2 7
PRINCE2 refers to the five integrated elements:
- Processes
- Practices
- Principles
- People
- Project context
To fully understand the method, it is essential that you see how the elements fit together because you are expected to know that for both exams. For the foundation exam especially, understand the “five integrated elements”.
The PRINCE2 processes
The processes are the suggested “when” you do something. They cover the sequence of the project from startup through to closure. In anything other than a small project, you are likely to have several delivery stages, so the process used for the delivery stages will repeat for each management stage.
A variation occurs in the last stage, however, since you will be closing the project at the end rather than preparing for the following management stage.
It’s an easy mistake to think that each stage and project involves a single process.
While it is true that a single process drives each stage, that process will trigger other processes to do parts of the work.
Take a moment to review the diagram shown below. And at this point, focus on the startup and the project stages so that you have a feel for how the processes are involved:
You will probably already know from the official PRINCE2 Manual that the delivery process has a process diagram. And in each case, these diagrams show a series of activities for each process, with those activities linked by arrows to show the default sequence in which you do them.
The exact activities and sequences in the practitioner exam will be fine because the exam is an open book, and you can have the Manual available to look at the diagrams whenever needed.
For the foundation exam, however, which is a closed book, you need to be aware of the activities in each process to know what the processes are doing and the overall sequence in which the Manual suggests that the activities are done.
Refrain from trying to learn each diagram by heart; instead, get a good feel for the flow of activities and the critical management products created or used within each.
So at the highest level, you have a series of processes, which are then divided into activities for each process. The PRINCE2 method then has recommended actions within each activity.
The recommended actions are bullet points under each activity heading in the PRINCE2 Manual.
Again, remember only some of the actions for all the activities in the method. Still, you need to know what each activity is about, who is doing each, and which management products (such as the business case), the daily log and the project plan are in use.
Get PRINCE2 Roadmap Part 2 HERE!
PRINCE2® 7 Foundation and Practitioner
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The PRINCE2 Foundation examination assesses your knowledge and comprehension of the PRINCE2 project management methodology as detailed in the syllabus. The PRINCE2 Practitioner examination, on the other hand, gauges your ability to apply and tailor the PRINCE2 method. Candidates who pass the Practitioner exam should be able to start implementing the method on an actual project with some guidance. However, their effectiveness may differ based on their experience in project management, the complexity of the project, and the level of support they receive in their work environment.
