The PRINCE2 project management methodology is accepted throughout the UK as the leading 'best practice' project management approach. For many project roles, knowledge of the structure and terminology of PRINCE2 is becoming a key requirement, as it provides a common language and structure across all projects. It is adaptable and flexible for any type or size of project and can be used as a common link between different teams within a business.
There are a number of reasons for candidates to attend a PRINCE2 examination course. These include:
1. The course forms part of your personal development, as you are increasingly working on projects as part of your current role, or have been asked to join a project team within your organisation. Project management is a specialist area of management, and training in the structure of projects, the planning activities, meetings and reports needed to keep the project on track and deliver successfully are vital for anyone working within a project environment.
2. The course provides a recognised professional qualification and therefore, forms part of a structured development path for personal development.
3. The use of the PRINCE2 project management method is being increasingly seen as a requirement for any organisation wishing to take part in government, local government or NHS related projects. Therefore, it is essential that your organisation ensures that members of project teams are qualified at least to Foundation level. As members of your workforce become professionally qualified, there is a direct relationship to the fee rate at which these resources can be charged out to the customer.
In addition, professionally qualified project staff form part of your organisation's competitive advantage. Customers will see your organisation as a responsible and high quality organisation, which they can trust to deliver their work professionally.
Options:
Courses can be held as in-company events, where delegates from specific companies, departments or projects come together to study the examination material, whilst using their own company structures and procedures as a base against which to review the use and application of the PRINCE2 method.
Alternatively, there are plenty of open events at venues around the country.
Benefits of PRINCE 2 Training:
Benefits for the individual:
Increase in project management knowledge, as there is the opportunity to share ideas and project management techniques with the Trainer (who will be an experienced project manager) and other delegates who will have a range of project management knowledge and experience.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the project lifecycle, and the key management documents that should be created during each stage of your project. Understand how the method operates, with an opportunity to discuss how it can be implemented within your existing and future work.
Benefits for your organisation:
Develop a professionally qualified workforce, with a well recognised and well respected independent qualification.
Increased motivation of staff as interest and enthusiasm for project management has been developed during the course.
Competitive advantage of your organisation against other companies who lack PRINCE2 accredited staff.
Improved project management capability amongst staff, and opportunity for trained staff to mentor other less qualified or experienced staff members.
Create the opportunity to develop tighter controls around project work using aspects of the PRINCE2 methodology.
Risks:
A key risk in undertaking this training course is that you do not pass the examinations. Choosing a reputable Accredited Training Organisation, which has an excellent track record in examination passes, mitigates this risk.
In addition, this risk is mitigated by ensuring the training organisation provides you with precourse reading, so that you can prepare for the course in advance, ensuring that you gain as much value from the trainer as possible.
Another risk to undertaking this course is that by being out of the office for a week, you are not able to manage your current work commitments. The impact of this risk can be reduced by splitting the course over two sessions - 3 day Foundation course and 2 day Practitioner Revision course (see options above).
There is a risk that the course material is not relevant to your organisation's project management method. Attending an in-company event where the application of PRINCE2 can be reviewed against your current project management approach can reduce this risk. Differences and improvements can then be identified.
PRINCE2 is a Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce
About the Author:
Maven Training is a leading provider of project & programme management courses specialising in
Prince2, PPSO & MSP courses in the UK.
http://www.maventraining.co.uk/
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932
Date Published :
Mar 4 2009