Learn from Experience is a core PRINCE2 principle that emphasizes the importance of seeking, recording, and applying lessons throughout a project's lifecycle. This principle recognizes that projects don't exist in isolation and that organizations can improve project outcomes by building on previous…Learn from Experience is a core PRINCE2 principle that emphasizes the importance of seeking, recording, and applying lessons throughout a project's lifecycle. This principle recognizes that projects don't exist in isolation and that organizations can improve project outcomes by building on previous experiences. PRINCE2 mandates that lessons should be actively sought at multiple points: during project startup, throughout the project, and during project closure. These lessons can come from within the current project, previous projects, or external sources. The principle is implemented through various mechanisms: during project initiation, teams review lessons from similar previous projects; during the project, lessons logs capture insights as they emerge; and at closure, lessons are documented for future projects. This creates a continuous improvement cycle that benefits both the current project and future endeavors. The responsibility for applying this principle extends across all roles in the project management team. The project manager maintains the lessons log, the project board supports a culture of learning, and team managers contribute lessons from technical work. This principle helps organizations avoid repeating mistakes, promotes efficiency by leveraging successful approaches, and contributes to organizational maturity in project management. By institutionalizing learning, PRINCE2 transforms project knowledge from being tacit and personal to explicit and organizational. This principle reflects the reality that projects often face similar challenges, and systematic learning allows teams to address these challenges more effectively with each iteration, ultimately improving project success rates and organizational capability.
Learn from Experience: PRINCE2 Principle Comprehensive Guide
Why Learn from Experience is Important in PRINCE2
The 'Learn from Experience' principle in PRINCE2 is fundamental because it ensures that projects don't repeat past mistakes and benefit from previous successes. This principle acknowledges that organizations waste valuable resources when they fail to learn from their experiences. By actively seeking out lessons from previous projects, teams can improve their efficiency, reduce risks, and increase the likelihood of project success.
What is the Learn from Experience Principle?
This principle emphasizes that project teams should learn from previous projects and apply those lessons throughout the project lifecycle. PRINCE2 projects should:
• Record lessons during the project • Learn from previous phases within the same project • Learn from other projects within the organization • Learn from external sources when applicable • Transfer knowledge effectively between teams and stakeholders
The principle ensures continuous improvement and prevents the "reinvention of the wheel" across projects.
How the Learn from Experience Principle Works
The principle is implemented throughout the PRINCE2 methodology:
1. Starting a Project (SU): Review previous lessons at project initiation 2. Directing a Project (DP): The Project Board uses previous experience for decision-making 3. Initiating a Project (IP): Incorporate lessons into project planning 4. Managing Product Delivery (MP): Team managers apply relevant lessons 5. Controlling a Stage (CS): Project Manager uses lessons when managing stages 6. Managing Stage Boundaries (SB): Record lessons at stage end for future stages 7. Closing a Project (CP): Document final lessons for future projects
PRINCE2 maintains a lessons log throughout the project, and lessons are reviewed at each stage boundary and during end project reports.
Key Components of Learn from Experience
• Lessons Log: Document containing all lessons identified during the project • Lessons Report: Formal document produced at stage boundaries and project closure • End Project Report: Contains a summary of key lessons learned • Knowledge Repository: Organizational database of lessons from multiple projects
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Learn from Experience
1. Recognize the principle in scenarios: Look for situations where past experiences should inform current decisions.
2. Understand timing: Be clear that lessons should be sought at the beginning (SU, IP), applied during execution (CS, MP), and documented at boundaries (SB) and closure (CP).
3. Know the products: Identify which management products relate to Learn from Experience (Lessons Log, Lessons Report, End Project Report).
4. Focus on responsibilities: Remember that: • Project Manager maintains the Lessons Log • Project Board promotes the principle • All team members should contribute lessons
5. Connect to other principles: Understand how Learn from Experience supports other principles like Continued Business Justification and Manage by Exception.
6. Watch for negative examples: Questions may describe scenarios where the principle is NOT being applied correctly.
7. Remember practical application: Questions may ask how to implement the principle in specific situations.
8. Distinguish from other principles: Don't confuse Learn from Experience with Defined Roles and Responsibilities or Focus on Products.
When faced with scenario-based questions, always look for answers that promote:
• Consulting historical records before making decisions • Recording lessons throughout the project lifecycle • Sharing knowledge across teams and organizational boundaries • Using experience to improve future performance
Example question approach: If asked about a struggling project where the team is facing familiar challenges, the correct answer will likely involve reviewing lessons from similar previous projects rather than starting from scratch.