Tailoring Principles for Different Projects

Tailoring PRINCE2 Principles for Different Projects

Introduction to Tailoring PRINCE2 Principles

Tailoring is a fundamental concept in PRINCE2 methodology that allows the framework to be adapted to projects of varying sizes, complexity, and environments. It's about applying PRINCE2 in a way that's appropriate to the specific context while still adhering to the core principles.

Why Tailoring Principles is Important

Tailoring is crucial because:

1. No one-size-fits-all approach works for all projects - Projects vary in size, complexity, risk, and organizational context.

2. Maximizes effectiveness - Appropriate tailoring ensures PRINCE2 adds value rather than bureaucracy.

3. Maintains governance while enabling flexibility - Tailoring allows organizations to adapt PRINCE2 while maintaining proper controls.

4. Enhances adoption - When properly tailored, PRINCE2 is more likely to be embraced by project teams.

What Tailoring Principles Involves

Tailoring in PRINCE2 means adapting the method to the specific needs of a project while ensuring the seven principles remain intact. The seven principles (continued business justification, learn from experience, defined roles and responsibilities, manage by stages, manage by exception, focus on products, and tailor to the environment) are non-negotiable and must always be applied.

However, the four integrated elements can be tailored:

1. Themes: Adapting the seven themes (Business Case, Organization, Quality, Plans, Risk, Change, Progress) to suit project needs.

2. Processes: Adjusting the intensity of the seven processes based on project complexity.

3. Roles: Combining or splitting roles according to project requirements.

4. Management Products: Simplifying documentation according to project scale.

How Tailoring Works in Practice

When tailoring PRINCE2, consider:

1. Project scale: Smaller projects may combine roles and simplify documentation.

2. Project complexity: More complex projects may require more rigorous application of controls.

3. Risk level: Higher-risk projects need more detailed risk management.

4. Organizational environment: Consider existing processes, culture, and standards.

5. Commercial environment: Adapt to contractual relationships and procurement strategies.

Examples of tailoring include:

- For a small project, the Project Manager might also act as Change Authority
- For a simple project, risk and issue registers might be combined
- For an agile project, stage plans might be replaced with sprint backlogs

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Tailoring Principles

1. Remember what can and cannot be tailored:
- The seven principles must always be applied and cannot be tailored
- Themes, processes, roles, and management products can be tailored

2. Understand the reasons for tailoring:
- Always relate tailoring decisions to the specific project context
- Tailoring should enhance, not compromise, governance

3. Watch for common exam scenarios:
- Questions often present a project scenario and ask how PRINCE2 should be tailored
- Look for clues about project size, complexity, and organizational environment

4. Balance flexibility with rigidity:
- In multiple choice questions, avoid answers suggesting principles can be skipped
- Also avoid answers suggesting no tailoring is needed at all

5. Apply context-specific knowledge:
- Different projects require different tailoring approaches
- Be prepared to explain how tailoring decisions support project objectives

6. Remember scaling factors:
- Scale, complexity, importance, capability and capacity, and familiarity are key factors affecting tailoring decisions

7. Focus on value:
- Tailoring should add value, not create unnecessary bureaucracy or remove essential controls

Remember that tailoring is about making PRINCE2 work effectively for your specific project, not about making it easier or avoiding certain aspects. Successful tailoring maintains the integrity of the method while adapting its application to the project context.