Tailor to Suit the Project is one of the seven fundamental principles in PRINCE2 7 that emphasizes the importance of adapting the methodology to fit the specific needs, complexity, and environment of each unique project. This principle recognizes that no two projects are identical, and therefore a …Tailor to Suit the Project is one of the seven fundamental principles in PRINCE2 7 that emphasizes the importance of adapting the methodology to fit the specific needs, complexity, and environment of each unique project. This principle recognizes that no two projects are identical, and therefore a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach would be ineffective and potentially counterproductive.
The principle requires project managers and teams to carefully consider factors such as project size, complexity, importance, capability of the team, and risk levels when determining how PRINCE2 should be applied. A small, straightforward project will require less documentation and fewer formal processes compared to a large, complex initiative with multiple stakeholders and significant financial investment.
Tailoring can occur across several dimensions within PRINCE2. This includes adjusting the management products (documents and records), modifying the frequency and formality of management stages, combining or adapting roles to suit available resources, and scaling the level of control and reporting mechanisms. The goal is to ensure that project controls remain appropriate and add value rather than creating unnecessary bureaucratic overhead.
However, tailoring must be done thoughtfully and with proper justification. It does not mean abandoning PRINCE2 principles or cutting corners. The seven principles themselves should always be applied, as they represent the foundation of effective project management. What changes is how the themes, processes, and practices are implemented to match the project context.
Effective tailoring requires experience and judgment. Project managers must understand both PRINCE2 thoroughly and the specific project environment to make informed decisions about what adaptations are necessary. Documentation of tailoring decisions in the Project Initiation Documentation ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to understand why certain approaches have been modified. This principle ultimately ensures PRINCE2 remains flexible, practical, and applicable across diverse industries and project types.
Tailor to Suit the Project - Complete Guide
What is Tailor to Suit the Project?
Tailor to Suit the Project is one of the seven PRINCE2 principles that emphasizes the need to adapt the PRINCE2 method to fit the specific context, environment, and requirements of each individual project. This principle recognizes that no two projects are identical, and a one-size-fits-all approach would be ineffective.
Why is Tailoring Important?
Tailoring is essential because:
• Projects vary significantly in size, complexity, risk, and organizational context • Applying PRINCE2 rigidly could create unnecessary bureaucracy for simple projects • Under-applying PRINCE2 on complex projects could lead to inadequate controls • Organizations have existing processes and terminology that need to be considered • The method must remain practical and value-adding rather than burdensome
What Can Be Tailored?
The following aspects of PRINCE2 can be tailored:
Processes: The sequence and formality of processes can be adjusted based on project needs
Themes: The depth and formality of applying each theme can vary
Roles: Roles can be combined or shared, provided accountability remains clear
Management Products: Documents can be combined, simplified, or made more detailed as needed
Terminology: PRINCE2 terms can be adapted to match organizational language
How Does Tailoring Work?
Effective tailoring involves:
1. Understanding the project context - Consider the project's size, complexity, risk level, and organizational environment
3. Determining appropriate controls - Match the level of control to the level of risk and complexity
4. Documenting tailoring decisions - Record how and why PRINCE2 has been adapted in the Project Initiation Documentation
5. Ensuring principles remain intact - While processes and products can change, the seven principles must always be applied
Important Constraints on Tailoring
While flexibility is encouraged, there are limits:
• The seven principles are universal and must always be applied - they cannot be tailored away • There must always be appropriate governance and accountability • Tailoring decisions must be justified and documented • The method must still provide adequate control for the project
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Tailor to Suit the Project
Key Points to Remember:
• Principles are non-negotiable - they must always apply regardless of how much tailoring occurs • Tailoring should be proportionate to the project's needs, risks, and complexity • All tailoring decisions should be documented in the PID • Tailoring is about appropriate application, not about skipping parts of the method
Common Question Types:
• Questions asking what can or cannot be tailored - remember principles cannot be tailored • Scenarios asking how to apply PRINCE2 to small or simple projects - look for answers involving combining roles or simplifying products • Questions about where tailoring is documented - the answer is the Project Initiation Documentation
Watch Out For:
• Answer options suggesting that tailoring means removing elements completely • Options that suggest principles can be optional based on project size • Answers implying that tailoring eliminates the need for documentation
Exam Strategy:
When you see a tailoring question, first identify whether the question relates to principles, themes, processes, or products. If it concerns principles, remember they are always mandatory. For everything else, consider the project context and select the answer that demonstrates proportionate and justified adaptation while maintaining appropriate control.