Part 1: Foundations of PRINCE

In Part 1, we introduce PRINCE2 at a high level. We’ll start with the history and evolution of PRINCE2, then highlight the key updates in the latest edition versus prior editions. Finally, we outline the core structure of PRINCE2 - its principles, practices, and processes - providing a roadmap for the rest of the book.

Chapter 1: Introduction to PRINCE2 and Its History

Origins in the UK Public Sector:PRINCE2 has its roots in the UK government’s efforts to improve IT project success rates. The method evolved from an earlier standard called PROMPT II (created in 1975) and a 1980s project management method named PRINCE (which stood for “PROMPT in the CCTA Environment,” CCTA being the UK’s Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency). PRINCE was initially specific to IT projects in the public sector. By the mid-1990s, the need was clear for a more generic project management method that could be used for any type of project. Thus, in 1996, PRINCE2 was released by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) as a generic project management framework, accessible to both public and private sectors.