Is PRINCE2 Training Necessary for Small Scale Projects?
Most small scale projects start form one of two points: 1) the task is a bit too big to ‘just do it’ and involves a few people so some form of management is needed, or 2) it needs to be delivered fast so the process overheads need to be limited to maximise ‘hands on deck’. In these cases how can PRINCE2 training help – or can it be a hindrance progress?
A quick re-cap on what PRINCE2 training covers helps to guide the answer. The PRINCE2 method shows what processes are required to run a successful project, including stages to go through, documents that keep control on scope and resources and more. But that is all text book theory. What the PRINCE2 training does is cover the background and application of that methodology, showing examples of how it should be used and what is likely to cause problems. Having been on PRINCE2 training a project manager will be far more comfortable interpreting the PRINCE2 process for their own project success.
This means the project manager with PRINCE2 training can adapt the process for a very large or very small project. The common sense approach of how to apply PRINCE2 goes a long way to ensuring small projects are not held up by unnecessary process overhead. For example different stages of the project cycle can be combined where there is a very clear, simple scope of work. Having the confidence to successfully use common sense to tailor PRINCE2 is what comes from PRINCE2 training – and would perfectly addressees our scenario 2 starting point.
Addressing scenario 1 is easier. There is no reason why PRINCE2 is just for professional project managers, instead it is useful for anyone who needs to deliver a task that has multiple contributors and a timescale beyond a few days. So PRINCE2 training is ideal for software developers, marketing managers, event producers or anyone else who has an element of project management within their role. And the PRINCE2 training will give the common sense approach of how much to use the PRINCE2 process and when in real-world situations.
Another reason why PRINCE2 training can help small projects is because what starts small does not always stay small. Starting a small project with no process and then realising the project is much larger gives a difficult situation: do you risk stopping the project to re-start with a clearer process such as PRINCE2 or do you carry on and hope that it delivers without a process? Neither is a good choice so having PRINCE2 training means being able to always start with an appropriate process and then just adapt it as the situation demands.
