PRINCE2® COURSE OVERVIEW

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 government, the wider public sector and throughout the private sector.  The 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 PRINCE2® events for delegates wishing to gain industry recognised qualifications.

DESIGNED FOR

Organisations and individuals requiring a controlled approach to managing projects.  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.

DOCUMENTATION

The following course material is included for this event.

PRINCE2® Manual

Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2®, published by The Stationery Office, gives the official guidance for the method.

Pre-Event Study Guide & Computer-Based Training CD-ROM

The event preparation materials include the PRINCE2® Manual, a structured Pre-Event Study Guide, and an Event Preparation CD-ROM.  The CD-ROM includes:

• an interactive overview of the PRINCE2® process model
• VisaGold - more than 200 example Foundation style questions
• Practitioner style topics and question

PRINCE2® Foundation Event Handout (3 days)

Containing individual work enabling you to practise the elements contained within the PRINCE2® Method. This handout also contains 150+ 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.

PRINCE2® Practitioner Event Handout (2 days)

Containing guidance on how to approach the practitioner exam. This handout also contains 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. Included are sample question papers, answer scripts, marking schemes and lots of useful tables and diagrams to help with the Practitioner exam.

AntsProjects event preparation material is dispatched to delegates 4 weeks prior to the start of the course.  It is recommended that delegates commit a minimum of 20 hours preparing for the PRINCE2® event.

BENEFITS

Following the course Delegates will understand the PRINCE2® method and will be able to organise, 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 CONTENTS

This course is accredited by 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; a model of the PRINCE2® Method.

PRINCE2® -The Process-Based Approach To Project Management

PRINCE2® focuses on the key Processes needed for successful project management. These Processes must be present but may be tuned to reflect the scope and risks faced by the Project Team.

PRINCE2® -Organisation

The Project Organisation Structure; Key Decision Makers; Project Board; Project Manager; Project Support; Project Teams; Roles & Responsibilities Defined.

PRINCE2® -Plans

Management and Specialist Products; Product Based Planning; Activity Planning; Resource Planning; Quality Plans; Approach to Planning; Software Support and the PRINCE2® Environment.

PRINCE2® -Project Progress

Project Board Controls - Project Start Up, Initiation and Closure, End Stage Assessments, Tolerance & Exception; Project Manager & Team Controls – Work Packages, Checkpoint Reporting, Quality Review.

PRINCE2® -Project Initiation, The Business Case & Risk

Project Initiation Document - Content and Process; Business Case; Risk Analysis &  Risk Management; Decision Support.

PRINCE2® -Configuration Management & Change Control

Documentation and Product Control; Handling Changes to Approved Products.

PRINCE2® -Quality Management

Quality Criteria; Quality Review and other Techniques; Quality Controls; Links to Quality Management Systems.

PRINCE2® - Support Services & Commercial Partnerships

Support from OGC - ongoing development. Association for Project Management Group involvement; Examination & Registration; Accreditation, logo, International initiatives.

APPROACH

This event is 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.  An exam preparation workshop is held on the fourth day.  The Foundation examination is taken at 4.00 pm on day three and the results are usually available approximately 30 minutes after the exam has finished.  The Practitioner examination is taken at 9.00 am on day five and the exam papers are then sent to APM Group for marking. 55% pass rate required.  Results usually take approximately 6-8 weeks.