Course Outline
Overview
The PRINCE2® method (Projects in Controlled Environments) is internationally accepted as the leading “best practice” project management approach. It is the standard approach within central and local UK Government, the wider public sector and throughout the private sector. The PRINCE2® method is scalable and can be tailored to reflect any organisation’s existing standards, approaches and business. Examinations (controlled and marked by the APM Group) are available during the PRINCE2® event for delegates wishing to gain industry recognised qualifications.
Designed For
Organisations and individuals who require a controlled approach to managing projects successfully. The course is suitable for project managers, team managers, project support and assurance staff, and managers from any discipline. The PRINCE2® method is flexible and adaptable for any type and size of project, and offers an excellent management foundation for any member of staff.
Course Material
The following course material is included for this event:
OGC PRINCE2® Manual: Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2®. The PRINCE2®, published by The Stationery Office, gives the official guidance for the method.
THE EVENT PREPARATION MATERIALS include the PRINCE2® Manual, a structured Pre-Event Study Guide, and a login to SPOCE’s online preparation materials. The online preparation materials include:
Pre-Event Study Materials
- Pre-course Study Guide
- An interactive overview of the PRINCE2® process model
- Foundation Exam Simulation- more than 300 example Foundation style questions
- Practitioner preparation – Objective Test Exam guidance, Sample questions and answers.
- Key Learning Points
PRINCE2® Foundation Event Handout
Containing individual work enabling you to practice the elements contained within the PRINCE2® Method. This handout also contains an extensive collection of Examination-type questions enabling those who are a bit rusty at examination technique to get a feel for the type of questions that will be asked. The exercises are designed to familiarise you with the PRINCE2® Manual and to help you understand the PRINCE2® Method in a stimulating and interesting way.
The event preparation material is dispatched to delegates 4 weeks prior to the start of the course. It is recommended that delegates commit 20-40 hours preparing for the Foundation event.
Course Benefits
Following the course Delegates will understand the PRINCE2® method and will be able toorganise, plan and control projects quickly and effectively in accordance with the PRINCE2® Methodology. Senior Managers attending the course will be able to make decisions on project initiation and continuation on the basis of hard facts provided in a structured format.
Course Content
This course is accredited by the APM Group against the Foundation and Practitioner level syllabus and includes the following topics.
Structured Approach To Managing Projects
Setting the scene for a structured approach to managing all projects; project success criteria; the model of the PRINCE2® method including the integrated elements of principles, processes, themes and tailoring.
The Process-Based Approach To Project Management
PRINCE2 focuses on key processes needed for successful project management which must be present, but may be ‘tailored’ to reflect the complexity, scope and risks faced by the project.SPOCE’s PRINCE2® Process Model will be used to help delegates understand and appreciate what should be done to manage each project, why it should be done and when in the project lifecycle.
Business Case
What is a Business Case; Outcomes, Outputs, Benefits and Dis-benefits; Developing, Verifying and Maintaining the Business Case; Contents of the Business Case; Confirming the benefits and the Benefits Review Plan; Business Case Responsibilities?
Organisation
Project Management Team Structure and the Project Board, Project Assurance, Project Manager, Team Manager, Change Authority and Project Support roles & responsibilities. Stakeholder management; Communication Management Strategy; Organization Responsibilities.
Plans
Levels and content of Plans; Exception Plans; Product-based approach to planning – Project Product Description, Product Breakdown Structure, Product Description, Product Flow Diagram; the PRINCE2 planning steps; Plans Responsibilities.
Progress
Management and Technical Stages. Tolerance and Raising Exceptions. Project Board and Project Manager Controls for Reviewing and Reporting Progress; Baselines for Control; Capturing and Reporting Lessons; Event-driven and time-driven controls; Progress Responsibilities.
Change
Issue and Change Control procedure; Configuration Management procedure; Configuration Management Strategy; Baselining, handling changes to, tracking and protecting products. Change Authority and Change Budget; Change Responsibilities.
Quality
Quality Defined, The Quality Audit Trial; Quality; Acceptance Criteria, Quality Criteria, Quality Management Strategy, Quality Assurance, Quality Controls and Quality Review technique; Quality Responsibilities.
Risk
What is Risk and Risk Management; Risk Management in Projects; Risk Management Strategy; Risk Management Procedure; Risk Budget; Risk Responsibilities.
Approach
This event is very intensive and highly participative, a mixture of input and practical sessions, delivered by an APM Group approved trainer. All trainers have practical experience of PRINCE2®. Practical sessions are on an individual and team basis and feature throughout the event. The Foundation examination is a 1 hr multiple choice closed book paper taken at 14.00 pm on day three, and the results are usually available approximately 30 minutes after the exam has finished.
Please note: During the course all delegates are expected to complete evening work. You are required to successfully complete and pass the Foundation examination should you wish to sit for the Practitioner paper.
