Directing a Project with PRINCE2

A distinguishing feature of PRINCE2, and one of its main benefits, is that it clarifies the distinction between governing or directing a project, which is done by a Project Board, and managing the project on a day-to-day basis, which is done by the Project Manager. This also means that a critical success factor is that members of the Project Board clearly understand their roles and responsibilities when directing a PRINCE2 project.

The purpose of this course is to give members of the Project Board and other critical project stakeholders an understanding of the context, purpose, role and structure of the PRINCE2 methodology and of how PRINCE2 projects are governed and directed by the Project Board.

This course does not lead to a qualification nor include any of the PRINCE2 exams, and is intended mainly for individuals that need to understand how to perform roles related to governing and directing projects that are being managed using the PRINCE2 methodology.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for two main groups:

• Members of the Project Board, Project Executives, Senior Users and Senior Suppliers
• Other Roles within Programmes/ Projects including Project Assurance, Project Support, Business Change Managers, Programme Managers

Format

The course is one day duration and is made up of a balanced blend of presentations, supported by PowerPoint slides, as well as discussion sessions.

Course Content

1. Introduction Introduction to the course, its format and presentation.
2. Programmes and Projects Overview of the context in which projects are conducted, and the relationships between projects and programmes. Introduction to the distinction between directing a project and managing a project.
3. PRINCE2 Structure Overview of the four fundamental aspects of PRINCE2, its principles, processes, themes and the concept that it needs to be tailored for each project.
4. Project Management Organisation The different roles involved in managing a PRINCE2 project, including the Project Board that directs the project.
5. The Business Case How a PRINCE2 project is justified from beginning to end, and how the project board are accountable for ensuring that the project is and continues to be viable, achievable and desirable.
6. PRINCE2 Approach to Quality How the customer representative on the Project Board defines the customer’s quality expectations and acceptance criteria, and how the activities of quality and quality control, assisted by the product-based planning technique ensure that this is achieved, approved and accepted.
7. Managing by Exception This is the key to directing the project effectively, exercising overall control while delegating day-to-day management of the project to the project manager.
8. Directing a Project This topic brings it all together, and serves to clarify how the project board members direct the project from beginning to end, ensuring that the project is viable, achievable and desirable at all times.