Relationship between the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and PRINCE2™
As noted in the Introduction to the PMBOK Guide (Project Management Institute 1996) the term PMBOK is an inclusive term that describes the sum of knowledge within the profession of project management.
It is therefore a knowledge-based approach that covers the entire vast subject of project management. The PMI Guide to the PMBOK identifies and describes that subset of the entire PMBOK which is generally accepted as applicable to most projects most of the time.
The PMI Guide to the PMBOK is therefore an extremely useful reference document and is often the basis of generic project management training.
PRINCE 2 is a process-based approach to project management. It provides a process model (of eight processes) that is intended to be applied as a set of steps in a logical sequence by a project manager in planning and managing a project.
The application of the process model is adaptable to most types of projects and a wide range of complexity. In addition the PRINCE2TM manual (Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2TM) includes a number of 'Components' that are guidance for a project manager in applying the process model. These Components have similarity to the PMBOK Knowledge Areas.
The PMBOK details a set of processes that fall under nine Knowledge Areas and can be linked in five groups if the project manager chooses.
The underlying difference between the PMBOK and PRINCE 2 is that the PMBOK offers the project manager a considerable array of information about proven practises in this field and invites the project manager to apply these where they deem appropriate whereas PRINCE2TM provides a more prescriptive (although flexible) set of steps for the project manager and teams to follow.
As one might expect, it is apparent that the knowledge areas of the PMBOK and the processes and components of PRINCE2TM cover many common topics. Apart from a number of terminology differences it is clear that both represent 'best practice' with their variance being in the implementation as a methodology.
The PRINCE 2 approach has the advantage that (because it is somewhat prescriptive) it causes a degree of standardisation in an organisation. Whilst allowing for tailoring to a range of projects it generally requires all projects to undertake the same steps (processes) and use the same terminology. This has obvious benefits in corporate programme management, project staff training programs, and project performance and tracking systems. The disadvantage may be that it potentially constrains creativity in the variety of methods applied to managing a project.
Several organisations have recognised that there are benefits in allowing both PMBOK and PRINCE2TM to co-exist. PMBOK provides the academic knowledge resource that is useful in enhancing the profession of project management. PRINCE2TM provides a useable process model that can be applied directly by project managers and teams from a diverse range of backgrounds to produce consistent project management and project outcomes.
PRINCE2TM PROCESSES
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PMBOK PROCESSES
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