Evolution and not a revolution. That is how the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) describes the transition from PRINCE2: 2005 to the new 2009 version. Since its existence, the PRINCE method is reviewed every few years by the OGC to determine whether the method still meets the requirements and needs of the user. The main objective of the OGC was to create a better application of the method and save more of our time. All feedback from an open study (with contributions of over 150 organizations and individuals) was taken by a reference group of trainers, consultants, academics and users to create a clear goal for the update to obtain.
The results indicated i.e. that the new manual should give more support and less instruction. Another suggestion was a better connection and integration with the other products of the OGC such as Managing Successful Programs and Management of Risk. Users also asked for more support in customizing or tailoring the PRINCE2 method, especially for smaller projects, and more assistance in terms of soft skills such as change and people management.
The new PRINCE2 manual refreshes and improves all aspects of the method but all the underlying principles and content of the method remain mostly unchanged. Actually, the most striking change is that there are now two books, "Managing Successful Projects Using PRINCE2" and the new edition "Directing successful projects using PRINCE2". This new book focuses more on project board executives, board members, project owners and project sponsors, and later this year, there will be a new certification exam especially around this new book. Another important change is the PRINCE2 Process Model; this can be found on our website (PRINCE2 Principles and Method). What does not change is the name, PRINCE2: 2009 is just to indicate the new version but it will not be named PRINCE3.
Several new chapters have been added to explain the “Principles of PRINCE2” and “Tailoring to the PRINCE2 project environment". If you are familiar with earlier versions of the manual, you will notice that the chapters on the 'Components' and 'Techniques' disappeared. These components are now included in the new "Theme" section.
In PRINCE2: 2009 the number of processes is greatly reduced. The sub-processes even disappeared from the new method. Now we speak of activities, such as initiating a project. There are now 5 or 6 activities to be completed instead of a number of sub-processes to be followed. A more practical approach is clearly reflected in the chapter “Tailoring PRINCE2 to the project environment” which explains how to adapt PRINCE2 to the project environment.
What are the consequences of this update for me and what kind of effect do the changes have on me, my organization and the way my projects are executed?
As stated in the beginning of this article it is an evolution of the PRINCE2 method. Whereas the precise wording of the manual is reviewed the content of the underlying principles is mainly unchanged. The update is mentioned in the name, PRINCE2: 2009 but this does not reflect that the earlier changes were less significant.
Organizations and individual users of the PRINCE2 method don’t have to worry that time and money is wasted. The method remains a proven and solid method of managing projects. The goal and intention of the 2009 update is to bring the approach more in line with the needs and wishes of today’s business and project management community.
Both the Foundation and Practitioner Exam will be based on the new 'Managing Successful Projects’ manual. Everyone who already studied PRINCE2 will conclude their knowledge about PRINCE2 is still valid and that everybody with a Foundation or Practitioner qualification easily can adapt to the new version. onlinePRINCE2 offers a special E-learning module (PRINCE2 Refresh 2009) which explains the complete new version of the method.