Principle Application Analysis

Principle Application Analysis in PRINCE2: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Principle Application Analysis is Important

Principle Application Analysis forms the backbone of PRINCE2 methodology. As a PRINCE2 Practitioner, your ability to evaluate how principles are applied within project scenarios is crucial for:

• Ensuring projects remain aligned with PRINCE2 best practices
• Making sound decisions based on established principles
• Identifying gaps or misalignments in project management approaches
• Demonstrating your capability to apply PRINCE2 principles in real-world contexts

What is Principle Application Analysis?

Principle Application Analysis involves examining how the seven core PRINCE2 principles are being applied (or should be applied) within a project scenario. The seven principles are:

1. Continued Business Justification - Projects must remain viable from a business perspective
2. Learn from Experience - Teams should leverage lessons from current and previous projects
3. Defined Roles and Responsibilities - Clear organizational structure with defined accountabilities
4. Manage by Stages - Planning, monitoring, and control on a stage-by-stage basis
5. Manage by Exception - Delegating authority with appropriate tolerance levels
6. Focus on Products - Emphasis on defining and delivering quality products
7. Tailor to the Project Environment - Adapting PRINCE2 to the specific project context

How Principle Application Analysis Works

In practice, this analysis involves:

• Reviewing project documentation and processes
• Identifying evidence of principle application (or lack thereof)
• Evaluating the effectiveness of how principles are being applied
• Recommending improvements to align better with PRINCE2 principles
• Justifying decisions based on principle alignment

Exam Scenario Example

You might be presented with a scenario where a project manager makes decisions based solely on schedule considerations, paying little attention to the business case. This would indicate poor application of the 'Continued Business Justification' principle. Your analysis would identify this gap and suggest corrective measures.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Principle Application Analysis

1. Identify the relevant principles: When analyzing a scenario, first identify which of the seven principles are most relevant to the situation described.

2. Look for evidence: Scan the scenario for indications of how principles are being applied or misapplied. Pay attention to actions, decisions, and processes mentioned.

3. Focus on application, not just theory: Examiners want to see that you can recognize practical applications of principles, not just recite definitions.

4. Use PRINCE2 terminology: Incorporate proper PRINCE2 terms in your answers to demonstrate familiarity with the methodology.

5. Justify your analysis: Always explain why you believe a principle is being applied correctly or incorrectly by referencing specific elements from the scenario.

6. Consider multiple principles: Many scenarios involve the application of multiple principles simultaneously. Show that you understand these interrelationships.

7. Time management: Quickly identify the key principles at play in each question to maximize your efficiency during the exam.

8. Apply the "tailoring" lens: Remember that principles should be applied appropriately to the project's context - one size does not fit all.

9. Practice with case studies: Before the exam, analyze various project scenarios to strengthen your ability to identify principle application issues.

10. Balance theory and pragmatism: Show that you understand both the theoretical foundation of each principle and how it manifests in practical project management.

Remember, the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam tests your ability to apply knowledge rather than simply recall it. When analyzing principle application, demonstrate your critical thinking by evaluating how well the principles are being followed and what improvements could be made.