In the context of PRINCE2 7, the principle 'Learn from Experience' is fundamental because projects are unique, temporary endeavors. Unlike business-as-usual operations, projects introduce specific risks and uncertainties due to their novelty. To mitigate this, PRINCE2 requires that project teams do…In the context of PRINCE2 7, the principle 'Learn from Experience' is fundamental because projects are unique, temporary endeavors. Unlike business-as-usual operations, projects introduce specific risks and uncertainties due to their novelty. To mitigate this, PRINCE2 requires that project teams do not start with a blank slate but instead actively seek, record, and apply knowledge throughout the entire lifecycle.
Applying this principle effectively involves action at three distinct points. First, when **Starting a Project**, the team must look backward. Previous Lessons Learned Reports or corporate knowledge bases from similar initiatives should be reviewed to identify previous pitfalls and successes. This ensures the current project does not 'reinvent the wheel.' Second, **as the project progresses**, learning must be continuous. During stage boundaries, the Project Board and Project Manager review the Lessons Log to assess if current plans need adjustment based on real-time performance. Third, **as the project closes**, the team looks forward. They formalize their specific experiences in the End Project Report, passing this knowledge back to the organization to increase corporate project management maturity.
For a PRINCE2 Practitioner, applying this principle goes beyond administrative compliance; it requires establishing a culture of honest reflection. In PRINCE2 7, the 'People' element is critical here—teams must feel safe to admit mistakes without blame so that genuine learning occurs. Tailoring is also key; a simple project might capture lessons through informal discussions, while a complex one requires formal workshops. Ultimately, if a project cannot demonstrate that it has actively sought, applied, and passed on experience, it is not being managed according to PRINCE2 standards.
Applying the Principle: Learn from Experience (PRINCE2 v7)
What is 'Learn from Experience'? Projects are unique by definition, which means they carry inherent uncertainty and risk. The Learn from Experience principle addresses this by requiring that project teams do not 'reinvent the wheel.' It mandates that lessons are sought, recorded, and acted upon throughout the life of the project.
Why it is Important Without this principle, organizations tend to repeat the same mistakes. Applying it ensures: 1. Validation: Planning assumptions are checked against real-world history. 2. Efficiency: Successful methods from the past are replicated. 3. Continuous Improvement: The organization matures by capturing knowledge from every temporary project team.
How it Works PRINCE2 requires learning at three distinct points: 1. When Starting: Before the project is fully planned, the Project Manager must look for external lessons (e.g., from previous projects or corporate knowledge bases) to inform the current approach. 2. As the Project Progresses: Learning is not a one-time event. During the project, lessons must be identified and recorded in the Lessons Log. Crucially, strategies must be updated based on these findings. 3. As the Project Closes: The project must pass on its insights. The lessons are formalized into a Lessons Report and handed over to the corporate organization or the Project Management Office (PMO) to benefit future projects.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Learn from Experience In the Practitioner exam, you are assessed on your ability to analyze whether this principle is being applied effectively in a specific scenario.
1. Look for Active Application: Merely having a 'Lessons Log' is not enough. To answer correctly, look for evidence that the team is using the data. Example of valid application: 'The Project Manager reviewed the previous stage's duration estimates and adjusted the plan for the next stage accordingly.'
2. Identify 'Ritualistic' Behavior (Negative Evidence): If a question asks why the principle is not being applied, look for scenarios where documents are created simply to tick a box. Example of poor application: 'The Project Manager wrote a Lessons Report at the end of the project and filed it in a secure folder that no one has access to.'
3. Differentiate the Artifacts: Be careful with the terminology: - Lessons Log: An informal, dynamic repository used by the Project Manager during the project. - Lessons Report: A formal document used to report lessons to the Project Board and Corporate management, usually at the end of a stage or the project.