Tailor to Suit the Project Environment
The principle of 'Tailor to Suit the Project Environment' is a fundamental aspect of PRINCE2 that recognizes the uniqueness of each project context and the need to adapt the methodology accordingly. This principle acknowledges that PRINCE2 is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach but rather a flexible framework that should be customized to meet specific project requirements. When implementing PRINCE2, organizations must consider factors such as project scale, complexity, importance, capability, and risk to determine the appropriate level of tailoring. The tailoring process involves adapting PRINCE2's themes, processes, and management products to strike the right balance between control and flexibility. For example, a small internal project might require simplified documentation and reporting compared to a large, high-risk initiative. Effective tailoring ensures that the methodology adds value rather than bureaucratic overhead. It prevents both 'method-slavery' (blindly following every aspect of PRINCE2 regardless of relevance) and 'method-tailoring' (inappropriately diluting PRINCE2's essential elements). The Project Board has ultimate responsibility for approving how PRINCE2 will be tailored, typically documented in the Project Initiation Documentation. This principle ensures that PRINCE2 remains practical and proportionate, delivering governance appropriate to the project's needs while maintaining alignment with organizational or programme management standards. When properly applied, tailoring enhances project efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and ultimately increases the likelihood of project success.
Tailor to Suit the Project Environment: PRINCE2 Principles Guide
What is 'Tailor to Suit the Project Environment'?
The 'Tailor to Suit the Project Environment' principle is one of the seven fundamental principles of PRINCE2. It states that PRINCE2 should be adapted to fit the specific needs, context, and requirements of each project. This principle recognizes that not all projects are identical and that applying PRINCE2 in a rigid, one-size-fits-all manner would be ineffective.
Why is Tailoring Important?
Tailoring is crucial because:
1. Project Uniqueness: Every project has different complexity, scale, risk levels, and organizational contexts.
2. Resource Efficiency: Appropriate tailoring ensures you're using just what you need – no more, no less – saving time and resources.
3. Practicality: Over-bureaucratic approaches can stifle progress; tailoring makes PRINCE2 practical for your specific project.
4. Stakeholder Buy-in: A tailored approach demonstrates respect for the project's context, increasing stakeholder support.
5. Flexibility with Control: Tailoring allows flexibility while maintaining appropriate governance and control.
How Tailoring Works in PRINCE2
Tailoring in PRINCE2 can be applied to:
1. Themes: Adjust how you implement the seven themes based on project needs.
2. Processes: Adapt the detail and formality of the seven processes to suit the project scale.
3. Roles and Responsibilities: Combine or separate roles based on project size and available resources.
4. Management Products: Simplify, combine, or enhance documentation as appropriate.
Key Tailoring Factors to Consider
When tailoring PRINCE2, consider:
• Project scale, complexity and importance
• External constraints (regulatory, compliance)
• Organizational environment and culture
• Team capability and experience
• Business risks involved
Common Tailoring Approaches
• Embedding: Integrating PRINCE2 into existing organizational processes
• Adapting: Modifying terminology to align with organizational language
• Adopting: Using only relevant parts of PRINCE2 for the project
• Scaling: Adjusting the level of detail based on project size
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Tailoring
1. Remember the core principle: Tailoring means adapting PRINCE2 to the project environment, not changing the principles themselves.
2. Focus on appropriateness: In scenario questions, look for what's appropriate for the specific project context rather than applying maximum controls.
3. Watch for extremes: Be cautious of answers suggesting either no tailoring (pure PRINCE2) or excessive tailoring that abandons core elements.
4. Know what cannot be tailored: The seven principles are non-negotiable and cannot be tailored.
5. Understand common tailoring scenarios: Be familiar with how small/medium/large projects typically tailor different aspects.
6. Look for balance: Good tailoring maintains the balance between flexibility and control.
7. Consider project variables: When assessing tailoring questions, consider the project's size, complexity, risk and team experience mentioned in the scenario.
8. Recognize tailoring authority: Remember that the Project Board approves tailoring decisions during project initiation.
Sample Question Approach:
When faced with a question like: "A small project with experienced team members needs to implement PRINCE2. Which approach to the Risk theme is most appropriate?"
Consider:
• The project is small (less documentation needed)
• The team is experienced (less detailed guidance required)
• Risk management is still necessary (principle cannot be removed)
Look for an answer that simplifies risk documentation while maintaining essential risk management activities.
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