PRINCE2 is a process-based approach for project management providing an easily tailored and scalable method for the management of all types of projects.
Each process is defined with its key inputs and outputs together with the specific objectives to be achieved and activities to be carried out.
The method describes how a project is divided into manageable stages enabling efficient control of resources and regular progress monitoring throughout the project. The various roles and responsibilities for managing a project are fully described and are adaptable to suit the size and complexity of the project, and the skills of the organisation.
Project planning using PRINCE2 is product-based, which means the project plans are focused on delivering results and are not simply about planning when the various activities on the project will be done.
A PRINCE2 project is driven by the project's Business Case, which describes the organisation's justification, commitment and rationale for the project’s deliverables or outcome. The Business Case is regularly reviewed during the project to ensure the business objectives, which often change during the lifecycle of the project, are still being met.
There are often different groups of people involved in projects: the customer, one or more suppliers, and of-course, the user. PRINCE2 is designed to provide a common language across all the interested parties involved in a project.
Bringing customers and suppliers together typically involves contracts and contract management. Although these aspects are outside the scope of PRINCE2, the method provides the necessary controls and breakpoints to work successfully within a contractual framework.