PRINCE2 Joined-Up

The core of PRINCE2 project governance guidance is summarised in the introduction to the business case …

The ongoing and ever-present decision regarding the Business Case is whether the project can (still) be justified. This is based on whether the project is desirable (the cost/benefit/risk balance), viable (the project can deliver the products) and achievable (the products can provide the benefits).

The Senior User(s) is responsible for specifying the benefits and subsequently realizing the benefits through the use of the products provided by the project. The Executive is responsible for ensuring that those benefits specified by the Senior User(s) represent value for money, are aligned to corporate objectives, and are capable of being realized. ((OGC (Office of Government Commerce) (2009). Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 (2009 ed.). TSO (The Stationery Office).))

 

The following diagram captures the key PRINCE2 roles, and their concerns.  I have found this diagram very useful when socialising the PRINCE2 project patterns with project stakeholders.

PRINCE2 Joined-Up

 

 

 

Talking Points

  • Project is a temporary organisation to turn the inputs into the benefits.
  • Project Objectives (start with the end in mind)
    • Benefits
    • Scope and Quality of Products
    • Time, Cost, and Risk appetite Inputs
  • Executive Role1
    • Key concern: Desirable8? If we had the time, cost and risk appetite would we purchase these benefits?
    • The details of the project product are not in focus.
  • Benefits2
    • Benefits are in business terms (customer impact, costs (e.g. head count), income (e.g. new capabilities and services)
  • Senior Users3
    • Key concern: Achievable4? If we receive the promised products to the required scope and quality, can we use them in the business to deliver the benefits?
  • Products5
    • What is required to achieve the benefits? The product is often an artifact (e.g. consumer product, IT system, building facility)  of some kind combined with people ready to use it.
  • Senior Suppliers6
    • Key concern: Viable7? If we were given the time, budget, and risk appetite, can we deliver to the required scope and quality?
  • Input
    • Time, Budget, People, Risk appetite