Tailoring in PRINCE2 7 is a fundamental principle that requires adapting the method to suit the specific context of each project. This ensures PRINCE2 remains practical and applicable across diverse project environments rather than being applied rigidly.
Tailoring Factors are the considerations th…Tailoring in PRINCE2 7 is a fundamental principle that requires adapting the method to suit the specific context of each project. This ensures PRINCE2 remains practical and applicable across diverse project environments rather than being applied rigidly.
Tailoring Factors are the considerations that influence how PRINCE2 should be adapted. These include:
1. **Project Scale and Complexity**: Larger, more complex projects typically require more detailed processes and controls, while smaller projects can operate with streamlined approaches.
2. **Project Environment**: The organizational culture, existing processes, and working methods influence how PRINCE2 integrates with established practices.
3. **Project Type**: Whether the project involves IT development, construction, organizational change, or other domains affects which aspects need emphasis.
4. **Risk Level**: Higher-risk projects demand more rigorous controls and reporting mechanisms.
5. **Team Experience**: Experienced teams may need less formal guidance compared to teams new to project management.
Documentation tailoring is essential for maintaining efficiency. PRINCE2 specifies various management products (documents) but recognizes that not all projects require the same level of documentation detail. Key considerations include:
- **Combining Documents**: Several management products can be merged into single documents when appropriate for smaller projects.
- **Formality Level**: Documentation can range from formal written records to informal notes or verbal communications, depending on project needs.
- **Content Depth**: The amount of detail captured should be proportionate to the project's complexity and stakeholder requirements.
- **Storage and Format**: Digital tools, templates, or traditional documents can all serve as appropriate formats.
The principle ensures that governance remains appropriate and valuable rather than bureaucratic. Projects must maintain sufficient records to support decision-making and provide audit trails, but excessive documentation that adds no value should be avoided. The Project Board approves the tailoring approach, typically documented in the Project Initiation Documentation.
Tailoring Factors and Documentation in PRINCE2 v7
Why Tailoring Factors and Documentation is Important
Tailoring is one of the seven PRINCE2 principles, and understanding the factors that influence how you tailor a project is essential for exam success. PRINCE2 is designed to be adapted to suit the specific needs of each project, rather than applied rigidly. The factors that influence tailoring decisions determine how much documentation, formality, and control are appropriate for any given project.
What are Tailoring Factors?
Tailoring factors are the considerations that influence how PRINCE2 should be adapted for a specific project. The key tailoring factors include:
Project scale - The size, duration, and complexity of the project Solution complexity - How technically challenging the deliverables are Amount of change - The degree of transformation required by the organization Team culture - How people prefer to work and communicate Team location - Whether teams are co-located or distributed Risk level - The potential impact of threats and opportunities Commercial considerations - Contractual and supplier relationships
How Documentation is Tailored
PRINCE2 management products can be tailored in several ways:
- Combined - Multiple products merged into one document - Split - One product divided into separate documents - Eliminated - Products removed if they add no value - Formatted differently - Using informal formats like emails or verbal communication
The level of documentation should match the project needs. Small, low-risk projects may require minimal formal documentation, while large, complex projects need comprehensive records.
How Tailoring Works in Practice
When tailoring, you must ensure that:
1. The purpose of each theme and process is still achieved 2. The seven principles are still applied 3. Decisions about tailoring are documented in the Project Initiation Documentation (PID) 4. The approach is agreed with corporate or programme management
The Project Board is responsible for approving tailoring decisions, and these decisions should be reviewed throughout the project lifecycle.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Tailoring Factors and Documentation
Tip 1: Remember that tailoring is mandatory in PRINCE2. Every project must be tailored - the question is how much, not whether to do it.
Tip 2: When asked about reducing documentation, look for answers that mention maintaining the purpose of management products while changing their format or combining them.
Tip 3: Questions often present scenarios where a small project has excessive documentation. The correct answer typically involves simplifying or combining products, not eliminating governance entirely.
Tip 4: Be aware that tailoring must be documented and approved. If an answer suggests making undocumented changes, it is likely incorrect.
Tip 5: Know that the project environment influences tailoring. A regulated industry or fixed-price contract may require more formal documentation regardless of project size.
Tip 6: Watch for questions about who makes tailoring decisions. The Project Manager recommends, but the Project Board approves tailoring within corporate standards.
Tip 7: Understand that some level of documentation is always required - the Business Case, for example, must always exist in some form to justify the project's continued viability.
Tip 8: In scenario questions, identify the tailoring factors present (such as distributed teams or high risk) and select answers that address those specific factors appropriately.