Real time challenge facing PRINCE2

A structured approach to project management, PRINCE2 is a de facto process-based method for effective project management. PRINCE2, an acronym for PRojects IN Controlled Environments, provides a method for managing projects within a clearly defined framework. The PRINCE2 method is in the public domain, and offers non-proprietorial best practice guidance on project management.

 

In this method, an automatic control of any deviations from the plan is obtained because each process is specified with its key inputs and outputs and with specific goals and activities to be carried out. The PRINCE2 method of project management:

Being a highly organized and systematic approach, PRINCE2 enables an efficient control of resources. It manages to bring all the participants of a project on a common platform by dividing the project into numerous, small, manageable stages, which are closely monitored for a greater efficiency. It is characterized by highly adaptable, clearly laid out roles and responsibilities of the various management personnel to suit the complexity of the project and skills of the organization.

 

Being used extensively by the UK Government, PRINCE2 is also widely recognized and used in the private sector, both in the UK and internationally, especially across Europe. In short, PRINCE2 can be best described as a generic best practice methodology, which is flexible enough to be tailored to your organization and used successfully for all types of projects. 

Organizations should employ PRINCE2 methodology for being a flexible and adaptable approach to suit any kind of projects. It is a project management method designed to provide a framework covering the wide variety of disciplines and activities required within a project.

 

Why study PRINCE2?

 

The answer is simple. It can help you gain first class project management skills and help improve your employment prospects. It provides professionals with greater control of resources, and the ability to manage business and project risk more effectively. It will enable businesses to commit fewer mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and ultimately save money and effort.

 

Moreover PRINCE2 can be a great asset for their resume. PRINCE2 is recognized as a world-class international product and therefore many companies across the world require staff to be PRINCE2 certified.

 

Challenge in facing the PRINCE2 Exam:

 

Your knowledge and analytical skills of PRINCE2 methodology is practically tested by making you evaluate, analyze and actually apply the PRINCE2  method to a given project scenario. In a way, the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam encourages you to put your knowledge into practice. It thoroughly tests your detailed knowledge of the project management methodology applicable on a wide range of projects. 

 

For those students who struggle with spelling and grammar or for whom English is not their first language, passing the PRINCE2 Exam can be a major challenge. Considering the language skills required to attempt the exam, the exam board permits candidates who are not native-speakers of the language in which their exam is written to use a bilingual dictionary. This helps international students to remove any ambiguity associated with the meaning of questions or terminology while attempting the questions of the exam. 

 

All said and done, good preparation is the key when taking the PRINCE2 exam through the different levels specified as under:

 

PRINCE2 Foundation: One-hour, multiple choice exam which tests candidate's knowledge of the method. At least 50 percent marks are needed to pass this level. 

 

PRINCE2 Practitioner: 2.5 hours, more complex multiple choice exam which tests candidate's ability to apply the method to a simple project scenario. A 55 percent score is needed to call themselves a Registered PRINCE2 Practitioner for 5 years after which they must pass a Re-registration examination every 5 years to maintain their Registered Practitioner status.

 

PRINCE2 Professional: awarded following successful completion of a 2.5 day residential assessment involving group exercises and activities. The assessment criteria involve more general capabilities such as team working, which is not a specific PRINCE2 capability.

 

The challenges with PRINCE2 exam are also similar to any examinations in terms of time management or devising a personal strategy based on one’s own assessment of strengths and weaknesses. Some people might be exceptionally good at certain sections of the test and therefore they must target to complete them before moving on to questions that might demand more time in reading and understanding them. Attempting a few sample tests before taking the actual examination is a good simulation strategy. It helps you get the feel of the real environment, check your timing, and make suitable changes to your exam-taking approach. Such preparation is definitely going to bring success in PRINCE2.