PRINCE2V7: The human factor at the center of the project

As you already know, PEOPLECERT has published the new version of the manual to manage successful projects with PRINCE2 (version 7) and has incorporated relevant new features that make it more current and efficient when facing the challenge of managing a project and ensuring that it meets its objectives. and serves to materialize the benefits of the client's organization.

One of the most interesting novelties is that, in this version, it includes a chapter dedicated to people management, recognizing and highlighting the importance that the human factor and related skills have in the success of the project.

Human factor management: difficult to put into processes…

Indeed, in previous versions, PRINCE2 indicated to us the great importance and influence that those interested in the project (stakeholders) and the people who participate in the project team have on its development and final result. So it is essential to identify, analyze, understand your needs and requirements and how to integrate them into the project.

But, it was not developed in depth. We must not forget that PRINCE2 is a methodology that defines in detail how to establish governance, defines a glossary to use and establishes management by processes included in the different phases of the project that creates a solid and stable environment for the management of each project. Of course without forgetting that it can, and should, be adapted according to the context of each case for each project.

Thus, PRINCE2, without denying the great importance of the human factor, indicated that because each project, team, organization and environment is different, processes cannot be defined to follow that standardize the management of the project's human resources since this could mean restricting and limiting how to manage them.

People: at the center of the 5 elements integrated in PRINCE2

Without a doubt, the above is still valid, but PRINCE2, taking advantage of the experience of many projects carried out, has identified that, even if we have a correct management strategy, we use the appropriate artifacts and techniques, etc., if we are not able to manage, motivate and guide both the team and the rest of the stakeholders towards achieving the project objectives, our chances of success suffer considerably. So much so, that now, in this new version, the human factor is at the center.

As we can see in the following diagram, we have 5 elements that help us understand the method: the context of the project, the processes, the practices (previously themes), the principles and the people (people).

The 5 elements interact with each other throughout the project life cycle:

"The 5 integrated elements of the PRINCE2 method are designed to work together. The practices ensure that the principles are consistently applied during processes in a way specific to the project context and take into account the relationships and requirements of people within the project. project team and others outside it”

New chapter: people working in a management ecosystem

The new chapter analyzes in more detail the concepts related to the management of the human factor and the skills necessary for this. Thus, aspects such as the culture of the organization in which the project will be developed, the importance of communication and how to design and lead efficient teams are included and developed.

At this point I would like to highlight how PRINCE2 emphasizes that a project, in reality, is not an isolated entity that does not have interactions with the organization and the context, but quite the opposite and introduces the concept of ecosystem. In fact, in a project we can identify 2 that communicate and affect:

? Organizational ecosystem: It would be defined as the internal elements of an organization (including staff, owners, board of directors and others) together with the organization's own external relationships (customers, partners, suppliers, regulators and competitors).

? Project ecosystem: The elements of the organization involved in or directly affected by the project, as well as users and suppliers.

And as we can see in the following diagram, these two ecosystems are connected and their relationship must be analyzed and understood. Defining in detail and precision the governance to be applied in the project. So the project is understood as a complex interconnected system with different decision-making bodies and people.

Final thoughts

Managing a project is neither simple nor obvious, even more so when, in most cases, they are carried out in uncertain and highly variable environments. Thus, having help is essential, and, for example, the emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be a step forward to increase efficiency in the use of management resources. But we must not forget that a project developed by a team where there is no leadership (be it more directive or facilitative) and where its participants are not motivated and in which we do not take the stakeholders into account, is destined to fail.

Finally, I would like to point out that so that “we do not forget”, PRINCE2 includes two management approaches to be included in the Project Initiation Documentation:

? The Change Management Approach: which must indicate the objectives of the organization and what means it will use to modify its current situation to the desired one at the end of the project. It is worth noting that it is developed in the people chapter, emphasizing, once again, the importance of properly managing these resources.

? The Communication Management Approach: In which we must include our strategy to managing stakeholders, as well as defining how communication will occur internally and externally in the project.

To sum up, I have to say that I am glad PRINCE2 has improved the Manual including the human factor and highlighting its vital importance.