The PRINCE2 Agile^® guidance manual: book review

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PRINCE2 Agile book review

Transcript

Welcome aboard the Knowledge Train. In this podcast we explore insights and tips to help you manage your way to success in your career and business. I’m Simon Buehring, your conductor on this journey to knowledge and I’m thrilled to have you with us today.

In this episode, we’re stepping into the world of project management by examining the blend of traditional structure with modern flexibility through our review of the PRINCE2 Agile guidance manual. So, if you’re aiming to become an adept project manager in today’s fast-paced environments or looking to add that certification to your repertoire, you’ll want to stick around.

In 2015, AXELOS unveiled PRINCE2 Agile to the world, offering a manual that has since become the go-to resource for professionals looking to integrate the structured, governance-focused approach of PRINCE2 with the adaptive and responsive qualities of agile methodologies. This comprehensive manual spans a substantial 338 pages and is an indispensable tool for students aiming for PRINCE2 Agile certification. Authored by Keith Richards, a leading Agile thinker in the UK, this book promises not just insight but practical guidance in navigating the combined landscape of PRINCE2 and Agile. And for those of you keeping abreast of the latest trends, the manual’s teachings are still fully relevant to the latest PRINCE2 7th edition, released in 2023.

Diving into the structure, the PRINCE2 Agile book is meticulously organised, consisting of 28 chapters, 8 appendices, and a glossary, complemented by clear, stylishly hand-drawn diagrams. The book is divided into three sections: the first six chapters lay the foundation of Agile knowledge; chapters seven to twenty-three delve into how PRINCE2 can be tailored to fit an Agile environment; and the final chapters, twenty-four to twenty-eight, delve deeper into areas where PRINCE2 provides just the basics, illuminating how to work in an Agile context with greater detail. This thoughtful organisation makes the book not just a study guide but a reference tool for project management professionals.

Part I of the manual is a primer for those new to PRINCE2 or Agile, or both. It lays out the rationale for their fusion, harnessing PRINCE2’s focus on business justification and project context with Agile’s team-centric flexibility. Richards clarifies PRINCE2’s tolerance concept, where scope and quality targets provide maneuvering room, contrasting with the fixed parameters often seen in traditional waterfall methods. Key Agile practices such as stand-ups, retrospectives, and sprints are also defined, making this section a comprehensive starting point. And for those grappling with performance targets, chapter six offers a nuanced view of balancing fixed time and cost against the flexible scope and quality.

Next, in Part II, Richards walks readers through the adaptation of PRINCE2’s principles, themes, processes, and roles to fit an Agile setting. With each chapter dedicated to a principle, a theme, or a process, the guidance provided is detailed and invaluable for any student attending PRINCE2 Agile training, as much of the course content springs from these insights.

Part III zeroes in on specific Agile focal points, such as rich communication and frequent releases. This section could particularly enlighten those not steeped in Agile practices, while those with Agile experience may find it reinforces their existing knowledge.

The appendices should not be overlooked. They are a treasure trove of guidance, offering outlines of management products, roles and responsibilities, and even a project health-check. These resources support both the seasoned Agile professional and the newcomer.

The PRINCE2 Agile manual doesn’t stop there; it includes an exhaustive glossary, a product-based planning example, and a contemplative discussion on defining success in an Agile transition. This makes the manual a practice-rich resource for anyone applying PRINCE2 in an Agile setting, an educational asset for learning more about Agile, and an essential instrument for those pursuing PRINCE2 Agile certification.

Thank you for joining us on the Knowledge Train as we reviewed the PRINCE2 Agile guidance manual. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insight-packed episodes, and swing by the Knowledge Train website for resources galore. Until the next episode, keep learning, keep managing, and I’ll see you further down the track. Goodbye!