Project management is a structured approach to planning, organizing, monitoring, and controlling all aspects of a project to achieve specific objectives within defined constraints. In PRINCE2 7, project management is defined as the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experienc…Project management is a structured approach to planning, organizing, monitoring, and controlling all aspects of a project to achieve specific objectives within defined constraints. In PRINCE2 7, project management is defined as the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve the project objectives while balancing competing demands such as scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and benefits.
A project itself is a temporary organization created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to an agreed business case. The temporary nature distinguishes projects from ongoing operational activities. Project management therefore provides the framework and discipline needed to guide this temporary endeavor from initiation through to successful completion.
PRINCE2 emphasizes that effective project management requires clear roles and responsibilities, defined stages for management purposes, and regular assessment of business justification throughout the project lifecycle. The methodology recognizes that projects operate within constraints and must deliver products that meet quality expectations while remaining viable from a business perspective.
Key elements of project management in PRINCE2 include establishing clear governance structures, maintaining focus on products and their quality criteria, managing by stages to enable appropriate control points, and ensuring continued business justification. The approach also stresses the importance of learning from experience and tailoring management controls to suit the specific project environment.
Project management involves coordinating resources, managing stakeholder expectations, identifying and responding to risks, and making informed decisions based on accurate information. It requires balancing the interests of various stakeholders while keeping the project aligned with organizational objectives. The discipline ensures that projects remain controlled, deliver expected benefits, and provide value to the organization. Effective project management creates an environment where teams can work efficiently toward common goals while adapting to changing circumstances and requirements throughout the project journey.
Definition of Project Management - PRINCE2 Foundation V7 Guide
Why is the Definition of Project Management Important?
Understanding the definition of project management is fundamental to the PRINCE2 Foundation exam. This concept forms the basis for everything else in PRINCE2, as it establishes what project managers actually do and why their role exists. Exam questions frequently test whether candidates truly grasp this core definition, making it essential knowledge for certification success.
What is Project Management?
According to PRINCE2, project management is defined as the planning, delegating, monitoring, and controlling of all aspects of the project, and the motivation of those involved, to achieve the project objectives within the expected performance targets for time, cost, quality, scope, benefits, and risk.
This definition highlights several key elements:
• Planning - Establishing how the project will be executed • Delegating - Assigning work to appropriate team members • Monitoring - Tracking progress against plans • Controlling - Taking corrective action when needed • Motivation - Engaging and inspiring those involved
How Does Project Management Work in PRINCE2?
Project management in PRINCE2 operates through a structured framework where the Project Manager coordinates activities across six performance targets:
1. Time - Delivering within agreed schedules 2. Cost - Staying within budget 3. Quality - Meeting specified requirements 4. Scope - Delivering agreed products 5. Benefits - Ensuring value is realized 6. Risk - Managing threats and opportunities
The Project Manager balances these targets while applying PRINCE2 principles, themes, and processes to maintain control throughout the project lifecycle.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Definition of Project Management
Tip 1: Memorize the Six Performance Targets Questions often ask you to identify which elements are included in the performance targets. Remember: Time, Cost, Quality, Scope, Benefits, and Risk. A helpful mnemonic is TCQSBR (Think Carefully, Quality Should Be Right).
Tip 2: Know the Five Key Activities The definition includes five activities: planning, delegating, monitoring, controlling, and motivation. Be prepared to identify these in multiple-choice options.
Tip 3: Watch for Distractor Words Exam questions may include plausible but incorrect terms like executing, implementing, or delivering. While these sound reasonable, they are not part of the official PRINCE2 definition.
Tip 4: Understand the Inclusion of Motivation Many candidates overlook that motivation is explicitly included in the definition. PRINCE2 recognizes that project success depends on engaging people, not just following processes.
Tip 5: Distinguish from Project vs Program Management Questions may test whether you can differentiate project management from program or portfolio management. Project management focuses on delivering specific outputs within defined constraints.
Tip 6: Read Questions Carefully Look for keywords like all or includes in questions. The definition covers all aspects of the project, not selected components.
Common Exam Question Formats
• Which of the following is NOT a performance target in project management? • What activities are included in the PRINCE2 definition of project management? • According to PRINCE2, what must project management achieve?
By thoroughly understanding this definition and practicing with sample questions, you will be well-prepared to answer related exam questions confidently.