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PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile: Which Certification is Better?

PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile: Which Certification is Better?

Q: 1. Which is better PRINCE2 or PRINCE2 Agile?

There is no straightforward answer to this question. The choice between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile is entirely dependent on the organization’s business goals and growth objectives. For organizations that are keen on achieving agility, PRINCE2 Agile is the way to go.

Q: 2. Is PRINCE2 Agile certification worth it?

The choice between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile depends on your specific project needs and organizational culture. PRINCE2 is a traditional, structured methodology that works well for projects with predictable requirements and a clear scope. PRINCE2 Agile is a more flexible and adaptive approach that is suitable for projects with uncertain requirements or rapidly changing environments.

Q: 3. Is PRINCE2 good for beginners?

Yes, PRINCE2 can be a good starting point for beginners in project management. It provides a structured framework and clear guidance on the project lifecycle. However, if you are working on projects with uncertain requirements or in a fast-paced environment, PRINCE2 Agile might be a better fit. Ultimately, the best way to determine which methodology is right for you is to assess your project needs and organizational culture.

By Kevin D.Davis

Updated on Apr 13, 2022 | 8 min read | 13.0k views

Table of Contents

Project management techniques have revolutionized the way that projects are carried out and delivered, resulting in standardized procedures that improve productivity and client satisfaction. Two popular project management methodologies that provide different approaches to project delivery are PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile. PRINCE2, established in 1996, offers comprehensive guidance for managing projects effectively, focusing on quality, budget, and timely delivery. PRINCE2 Agile, a more recent addition, combines the best of PRINCE2 with Agile principles, making it suitable for projects with dynamic requirements.

PRINCE2 Agile combines PRINCE2's structured governance with Agile's flexibility and iterative development, offering a framework for projects with evolving requirements.

Choosing between PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile depends on your project's specific needs and your organization's culture. Consider factors like project complexity, team experience, and desired level of control. By understanding the key differences and benefits of each methodology, you can make an informed decision and select the best approach for your projects.

PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile: Table of Differences

Let us take a look at the table below for a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the two approaches- PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile.

PRINCE2	PRINCE2 Agile
PRINCE2 focuses on the management of projects effectively to ensure it remains a worthwhile investment in a changing business environment.	PRINCE2 Agile focuses on delivering products incrementally, in the most efficient and collaborative way possible.
It is a waterfall method that works by completing and approaching tasks one after another.	PRINCE2 Agile is more flexible in its approach.
A PRINCE2 methodology is a plan-based approach that allows to make and follow a large, all-encompassing plan.	PRINCE2 Agile is an adaptive approach that helps in focusing on short-term goals and progress.
Consists of three different levels of the plan which cover various phases and division of objectives in a hierarchy.	A project following this methodology will be divided into stages across particular time periods.

Now that we are aware of what PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile do in the field of project management, it is important to understand why it is necessary to have a separate set of guidance as is the case for PRINCE2 Agile. For those comparing PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile which is better, it largely depends on the project environment. While PRINCE2 provides a strong framework for managing projects, PRINCE2 Agile offers the flexibility to integrate agile practices, making it more suitable for dynamic and fast-paced projects.

PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile – A Comparison

Let's look at some key points of difference that will help in understanding the concept of these two, and approach project management by using PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile, better.

The fundamental difference between PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile is that PRINCE2 is a project management methodology whereas PRINCE2 Agile refers to numerous software development approaches used by development teams in an organization.

PRINCE2 is a customer-focused project management methodology that offers a set of principles, approaches, and processes to enable project managers in an organization working on a project to justify their points in the project. PRINCE2 is based upon a set of 7 principles that guide all aspects of the methodology.

PRINCE2 Agile, on the other hand, aims at the supplier and the teams doing the work- whether or not part of the project. It enables teammates to work together collectively with the customers which are achieved by defining and prioritizing requirements, developing, testing, and providing feedback in a continuous and repetitive cycle of iterations.

Explore our top project management certifications including PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile to upskill your career.

What is PRINCE2?

PRINCE2 is one of the project management courses that cover a myriad of key project management themes, including, business case, organization, transition, risk, planning, quality, and progress. It also includes an entire project management lifecycle explaining the roles and responsibilities for taking important decisions at crucial times in the process of project development.

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PRINCE2 Principles

PRINCE2 foundation and practitioner training course follows a set of seven guiding principles which supervise all the aspects of the PRINCE2 methodology. These principles provide a framework for good practice when used collectively. The trick to remember the seven principles of PRINCE2 is to use the acronym P-JESTER:

Focus on Products (P)
Continued business Justification (J)
Learn from Experience (E)
Manage by Stages (S)
Tailor to the environment (T)
Manage by Exception (E)
Define Roles and Responsibilities ( R ).

What is PRINCE2 Agile?

PRINCE2 Agile describes what to 'fix or flex' for the six performance targets in PRINCE2 methodology, namely, time, cost, quality, scope, risks, benefits. This means that the performance targets of time and cost are fixed in the PRINCE2 Agile approach, the scope and the quality of the product can be flexed based on the requirements of the customer.

The other two performance targets of PRINCE2- benefits, and risks, can be fixed or flexed depending on the needs of the customer. Typically, whatever needs to fix or flexed is decided upon by agreeing with the customer, which is then achieved by using Agile prioritization techniques. Our PRINCE2 Foundation classroom training deals extensively with these concepts.

Selecting the best methodology for managing projects depends on multiple factors like project type, scope, cost, etc. PRINCE2 and PRINCE2 Agile are the two most popular project management frameworks, each catering to different types of projects and organizational needs. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the project's nature and the level of flexibility required.

Here’s a detailed comparison of these methodologies:

1. PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile: Structured Approach vs Hybrid Methodology

PRINCE2: This highly structured methodology follows a clearly defined lifecycle with distinct stages and deliverables. It provides a strong foundation for projects with well-defined requirements and a clear scope. Because PRINCE2 guarantees careful planning right from the start, it's a great choice for projects whose requirements are set in stone.
PRINCE2 Agile: This hybrid methodology combines the structured governance of PRINCE2 with the flexibility and iterative nature of Agile methodologies. It is designed to handle projects with changing requirements and greater complexity, allowing for the integration of Agile practices within the established PRINCE2 framework.

2. PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile: Control-Oriented vs Flexibility

PRINCE2: Emphasizing strict control and governance throughout the project lifecycle, PRINCE2 uses a top-down planning approach. While this provides a high level of control, it can be rigid and may require significant adjustments if the project environment changes.
PRINCE2 Agile: Prioritizing flexibility and adaptability, PRINCE2 Agile enables projects to respond more effectively to changes. It encourages delivering value through incremental releases, making the project management process more dynamic and responsive. This flexibility allows teams to adapt quickly, ensuring the project remains aligned with business objectives.

3. PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile: Top-Down Planning vs Iterative Approach

PRINCE2: PRINCE2 uses a top-down planning method, with all plans laid out at the beginning of the project. This approach works well for projects with a stable scope but can be less effective in environments where requirements frequently change.
PRINCE2 Agile: Incorporating an iterative approach, PRINCE2 Agile breaks the project into smaller, manageable pieces. This process allows for continuous feedback and refinement, making it ideal for projects that require frequent adjustments or are delivered in phases.

4. PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile: Suitable for Predictable vs Dynamic Projects

PRINCE2: Best suited for projects with predictable requirements, where the scope is clear from the start. It provides a high level of control, making it ideal for well-defined projects with limited uncertainty.
PRINCE2 Agile: More suitable for dynamic projects with uncertain or evolving requirements. It’s designed to accommodate changes and encourages collaboration and self-organization among team members, making it a better fit for projects that need to adapt to changing circumstances.

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PMP Certification Training	Prince2 Certification Training	PMI-CAPM Certification
PgMP Certification Training	Prince2 Foundation Certification	Project Management Masters Program
Prince2 Agile Certification	PMI-RMP Certification Training	Prince2 Practitioner Certification

Get The Best of Both Worlds- Good Governance and Agile

The origin of PRINCE2 Agile is based on the feedback from practitioners using PRINCE2 methods who felt the absence of knowledge and experience of the Agile methodology approach in managing projects. It also worked as a reassurance to project managers to help understand the transition process when organizations have been turning to Agile methods.

An optimum amount of PRINCE2 governance combined with Agile concepts, methods, frameworks, behaviors, and techniques exhibited their effectiveness incorporated into project management course collectively. This in turn helped project managers work in an Agile environment using its context as well as organizations could now build further based on their existing investment in PRINCE2 methodology.

The pandemic hit the market would be a good example to show how organizations will be responding to the economic impact on business and address problems like loss of market share. Smart work combined with calculative decisions on operational and product changes will bring them good results. While Agile approaches help deliver change on time, without exceeding the budget or compromising on the quality, PRINCE2 Agile will boost confidence in stakeholders of an organization on their investment into the business.

Business Focused and On-Time Delivery

People on teams working on a PRINCE2 project are free to use any development approach, including the Agile method of approach. Given that they comply with the interface defined by PRINCE2, project management teams can reap the fruits of Agile which includes on-time product delivery with desired quality, and at the same time, customers can get the benefits of PRINCE2 methods which focuses on business justification.

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Choosing the Right Certification For You

For choosing between PRINCE2 vs PRINCE2 Agile, you would need to consider your business context. If your company management is looking for changing the organizational operations and embracing agility, PRINCE2 Agile might be the one you should be looking for, as it provides effective and controlled governance within the organization which is transitioning itself into an Agile environment. This transition using PRINCE2 Agile involves understanding vital behaviors including collaboration and transparency while offering an in-depth focus on Agile delivery, frameworks, and concepts.

If agility is not in the plan then PRINCE2 might be the one for you to help provide controlled governance in a non-Agile environment. However, if you're wondering, is PRINCE2 Agile better than PRINCE2, it ultimately depends on your organization's needs.

Now that you have an idea of what is what and what works where you might be able to make a decision based on your personal and organizational gains in the long term with or without incorporating Agile in your PRINCE2 based business. Enroll in KnowledgeHut PRINCE2 foundation and practitioner training course and prepare for your certification now.