Author: projectmanuk

The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam tests understanding of the PRINCE2 terminology and principles, as well as the ability to apply, analyse and evaluate the PRINCE2 method within given project situations. It is aimed at those who aspire to, or already have, responsibility for project management.
The Exam Structure
- 9 topics, each focusing on one of the 11 syllabus areas (these are: the 8 PRINCE2 components; the PRINCE2 process model; Product-based Planning technique; the PRINCE2 Quality Review technique)
- 40 marks per topic
- 50% pass-mark (180/360 total marks)
- 3 hour exam
An annotated copy of the PRINCE2 manual, annotated by the candidate, is allowed to be taken into the exam. No other study materials or revision notes are allowed. The exam paper contains a Scenario Booklet, which describes a case study, including information about the candidate2019s role (appropriate to the level expected of a recently-qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner), and the history and status of the project.

The Competencies

Each topic is made of up sub-sections, which are intended to examine different competencies.
- Knowledge (familiarity with key terms and principles of the PRINCE2 method)
- Comprehension (undertanding of the material, demonstrated through the ability to interpret the key terms and principles in one2019s own words)
- Application (use of the key terms and principles of the PRINCE2 method within a particular project situation)
- Analysis (the ability to break down the PRINCE2 method into its component parts, to explain the relationships between these parts. Typical questions ask the candidate to identify errors in the application of the PRINCE2 method to a given situation)
- Evaluation (critiquing or justifying the application of the PRINCE2 method in a given situation)

These competencies, and their corresponding sub-sections, are ranked according to difficulty (with “Knowledge” as easiest and ”Evaluation” as most difficult). The proportion of marks available for each question, indicated at the start of the sub-section, reflect this increasing complexity. A maximum of 30% is awarded for sub-sections testing knowledge and comprehension. It is therefore impossible to pass the Practitioner Exam without demonstrating the ability to apply, analyse and evaluate the PRINCE2 method.

The Questions
There are three main question types:

Multiple Choice, True/False and Multiple Response (select the correct answer(s) from a range of possible responses)

Matching and Sequencing (determine the relationship between items, by placing them in sequence, or linking the items in two lists)

Assertion/reason questions The Assertion/reason questions are most difficult. These consist of two statements, one of which is referred to as an ”Assertion”, and the other as a ”Reason”. The candidate must determine whether either or both of these statements is accurate. If both are accurate, then the candidate must decide whether the ”Reason”  is an accurate explanation for the ”Assertion”.

Assertion/reason questions carry three marks, but partially-correct answers receive nothing. It is therefore important to consider carefully each element of the question. It is perfectly possible for the 201CAssertion201D to be incorrect, but for the 201CReason201D to be an accurate statement.

Revision Strategy While you are allowed to refer to the PRINCE2 manual during the examination, relying on this for basic knowledge may waste time that could be spent considering more difficult questions. If you scored highly in the Foundation Exam then you should have the core understanding necessary for applying the PRINCE2 method at Practitioner level. Even so, it is a good idea to revise the PRINCE2 method thoroughly in advance.
Exam Strategy Read the Scenario Booklet carefully before starting the exam, and try to identify the elements of the PRINCE2 method that have been applied to the project. Keep an eye out for flaws in its application. It is easy to assume that timing is not an issue when the exam is 3 hours long. However, the 360 marks available allow only 30 seconds per mark. A question worth six marks, therefore, should take approximately three minutes, while a question worth two marks should take only one minute.

It is a good idea to read through the entire paper first, then to attempt the simpler questions, and finally to go back to the more difficult. This ensures that easy marks are not lost by mis-estimation of the time available. There is no negative marking in this exam, so answer every question, even if you are uncertain of your answer. The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam has an 88% pass-rate. Geared towards a higher level of understanding and competence than the Foundation Exam, it is a rigorous test of practical analytical abilities. These can be honed and best applied by working through practice questions, and by considering the internal structure and the application of the PRINCE2 method in detail.
PRINCE2 is a trademark of the Office of Government Commerce

About the Author:

Simon Buehring is a project manager, consultant and trainer. He works for KnowledgeTrain which offers training in PRINCE2 project management and PRINCE2 trainingin the UK and overseas. Simon has extensive experience within the IT industry. Contact him via the KnowledgeTrain project management training website.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tutoring-articles/passing-the-prince2-practitioner-exam-631159.html

For any organisation or individual that needs to manage and control related projects (portfolio of projects), Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) programme management is a management tool for bringing together people, activities and information to achieve the end goal.

History of MSP Programme Management

MSP programme management was developed by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), an independent Office of the UK Treasury, and supported by a full range of commercial partners. It was first released in 1999, and in 2007 a third version was released to reflect the evolving knowledge of programme management. MSP programme management is the UK Government Best Practice standard for effective programme management, and is a globally recognised qualification.

What is Programme Management?

A programme is made up of a number of projects identified by an organisation that will deliver a defined objective, or set of objectives, for the organisation. A programme can only succeed if the projects within the programme are completed, therefore, without programme management, the projects would be uncoordinated and not integrated into a final goal.

Programme management is becoming an increasingly important aspect of managing changes within business – whether it internal, such as increasing the range of products, or external, such as implementing new government policy. Programme management is a structured way of handling change proactively and provides a framework for handling complexity and risk.

MSP defines programme management as “the action of carrying out the coordinated organisation, direction, and implementation of a dossier of projects and transformational activities (i.e. the programme) to achieve outcomes and realise benefits of strategic importance to the business.”

MSP programme management is designed for any organisation or individual that needs a controlled approach to managing programmes, and is intended for Senior Managers, Project Managers, Programme Office Staff, and Project and Programme Management Consultants.

Aims of MSP Programme Management:

- Provide a framework of best practice principles

- Define and implement the governance requirements for the programme

- Enable practitioners to identify the aim of the programme

- Envisage benefits for the organisation

- Adapt theory to practice

- Improve decision making and implement beneficial change

- To be available for organisations and individuals

What MSP Programme Management can do for a Business

Working with MSP programme management will have a benefit for the whole workforce. MSP has a standard and consistent approach to programme management. It provides a framework for practitioners to direct the change process while ensuring the focus is maintained on the business objectives. MSP practitioners will be able to define the programme and state how the organisation will be different after the change has been implemented. They will manage a business case for the programme and plan the work so it will have the desired end result. MSP practitioners will organise the workforce to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities and ensure lines of communication are kept open. Any issues that arise during the programme will be resolved and quality will be maintained by auditing, which will ensure standards are being kept. They will identify and manage risks, and keep up to date information of the programme. Resources are used efficiently through project prioritisation, and timescales and budgets are effectively controlled. Lastly they will close the programme and ensure the final goal has been achieved.

MSP programme management is designed to reduce bureaucracy by focusing on what is necessary; avoiding duplication, and delivering effective control over the programme.

Conclusion

MSP programme management gives added value to any organisation that needs to manage and control a number of projects, by providing a framework for practitioners to work with that has been underpinned by current research.

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Robert Norton wrote the article ‘Understanding MSP Programme Management’ and recommends you visit AFAprojects.com for more information on MSP Programme Management training.

Robert Norton

PRINCE2 is used to manage projects throughout the business world; but what is a project and what constitutes a successful project? This article will define a project, look at the characteristics of an unsuccessful and a successful project, and discuss briefly how PRINCE2 can benefit a business.

What is a project?

A project can be defined as “any outcome you’re committed to achieving that will take more than one action step to complete,” or “a project is a management environment that is created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to a specified business case.”

To understand what constitutes a successful project, a lot can be learned by looking at the common reasons for an unsuccessful project.

Some common reasons for an unsuccessful project are:

Lack of management support – which can lead to insufficient funding and resources; senior management performance criteria is not linked with the project’s criteria, which can lead to conflict.

Resource conflicts – can mean there is a lack of dedicated team members in the project; key resources unavailable when required.

Lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities – can cause individuals/teams to work inefficiently; deadlines are missed; resolution over issues is delayed; overall there is low morale within the project workforce.

Poor communication – lack of information passed to individuals/teams can cause confusion within the project workforce; deadlines missed; concerns of stakeholders or team members not addressed.

Lack of leadership – can be caused by an inexperienced or an untrained project manager; lack of sustained leadership commitment; no clear goals, vision or strategy set; individuals are unclear how the project will alter jobs, processes, etc; there isn’t any alignment of measurement and reward system with targeted outcomes.

Some common reasons for a successful project are:

Advanced planning of the project – individuals are given defined roles; teams are established; the outcome of the project is defined.

Strong leadership – continuous committed leadership; executives show strong support; metrics and incentives are in place to drive desired behaviours; change is seen as an on going process.

Relationships are maintained – the leaders are ‘people focused’; relationships are maintained while meeting the needs of the project.

Quality delivered – project deliverables have met all functional, performance and quality specifications.

Stakeholder expectations met – every expectation of the stakeholders was met; every key stakeholder accepts the project results.

Project completed – the project was completed within the set timeframe; completed under the approved budget; the project has achieved its original goals, objectives, and purpose; every participant should be eager to repeat a similar experience.

PRINCE2 for successful projects

To ensure projects operate smoothly, PROMPTII, PRINCE, and subsequently PRINCE2 were all introduced to address the common reasons for project failure. PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) is recognised as a world-class international product, is the standard method for project management and provides a flexible and adaptable approach to suit all projects.

PRINCE2 training enables people to understand how a successful project operates by covering the processes, components and techniques needed for any size project. It is a project management method designed to provide a structure that covers the wide variety of disciplines and actions required within a project. The focus throughout PRINCE2 is on the Business Case, which describes the rationale and business justification for the project – it is the Business Case that drives all the project management processes, from project set-up through to a successful finish.

Conclusion

There are two ways to operate a project – successfully or unsuccessfully. Every business wants a successful project so they can reap the rewards; the way forward is for personal to be trained with a ‘de-facto’ standard for project management in the UK and internationally, i.e. PRINCE2.
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Robert Norton wrote the article ‘PRINCE2 for a Successful Project’ and recommends you visit http://www.afaprojects.com/training_prince2_rereg.asp for information on resitting PRINCE2 exams

 Robert Norton

If you are new to project management, or want to improve your project management skills, PRINCE2 Training Courses is for you. PRINCE2 is a project management method that covers the organization and management of projects.

This article will define project management; briefly discuss the history of PRINCE2, what is involved in PRINCE2 Training courses, and how it will benefit both you and your company.

Project management is the process of planning, organizing, staffing, giving direction, and controlling the production of a system using knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques. A structured project management method is the written description of a logical and organized approach, and PRINCE2 is a structured project management method that can be tailored for use on any type or size of project.

PRINCE (Projects IN Controlled Environments) was established in 1989 by CCTA (Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency), now renamed the OGC (Office of Government Commerce). Prince was later developed into PRINCE2 by a group of project management specialists. Over 150 public and private sector organisations were involved in reviewing the quality of the method as it was produced, and it was released in October 1996. PRINCE2 is seen as the generic, best practice approach to meet the needs of business. It is widely used in the public and private sector and is the ‘de-facto’ standard for project management within the UK and internationally. With such an impressive history, it is no wonder that PRINCE2 training courses are in demand.

PRINCE2 training explains the series of processes that cover all the activities needed for a project from the beginning to the end. The training focuses on business justification and demonstrates how its flexibility is applied to any project. It gives a defined organization structure for the project management team, and shows how a structured management project should operate with an organized and controlled start, middle and end.

If you haven’t had any PRINCE2 training there are two options – first option is the PRINCE2 Foundation training course. Second option is the PRINCE2 Foundation training course in conjunction with PRINCE2 Practitioner training course that allows you to become a fully qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner. The PRINCE2 Foundation training course aims to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to PRINCE2 and to prepare you for the PRINCE2 Foundation Certificate examination. The course objectives include:

- To recognize the factors that enable successful projects to be delivered on time, within budget and according to expectations.

- Describe the PRINCE2 components, processes, and techniques.

- Recognize and use the main PRINCE2 terminology.

- Prepare for and take the PRINCE2 Foundation Certificate Examination.

The benefits of undertaking PRINCE2 Foundation training is being able to understand a structured approach to project management; enhance your CV and increase your career prospects.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner training course enables you to become a qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner. The PRINCE2 Practitioner course covers the processes, components, and techniques included in the PRINCE2 Project Management Method. The course prepares you for the APM Group examinations, and includes instructor led tuition, individual exercises, and case studies. The course objectives include:

- How to tailor the PRINCE2 method to different projects.
- Identify the terminology used in PRINCE2.
- Apply PRINCE2 to a given scenario.
- Prepare for and sit the PRINCE2 Practitioner examination.

The benefits of undertaking PRINCE2 Practitioner course will boost your confidence in managing or participating in projects, gain experience of the main PRINCE2 techniques, and become a PRINCE2 Registered Practitioner, which in turn will boost your career prospects.

In conclusion, PRINCE2 is excellent for people who are involved with project management, and individuals who have taken a PRINCE2 training course have said how valuable the training has been for themselves and their organization.

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Robert Norton wrote the article ‘PRINCE2 Training Courses for Structured Project Management’ and recommends you visit AFAprojects.com for further information on PRINCE2 training courses.

Steve Twine

Myth 1: PRINCE is an acronym for Projects in Non-Commercial EnvironmentsPRINCE2 began life in the public sector and, as a result, many people perceive PRINCE as not being relevant to the private sector; or at best only to organisations providing services.

In fact, PRINCE stands for ‘Projects In Controlled Environments’. Crucially, its purpose is to provide a structured project management method which can be applied to any project situation. This can then be scaled to suit projects ranging from office relocation to the building of a nuclear power plant.

Myth 2: Only project managers looking for a job study PRINCE2

Because an increasing number of job advertisements specify the need for candidates to have successfully completed PRINCE2 training, a culture of cynicism has been directed towards the scheme.

My own experience is that the primary driver for people to embark on PRINCE2 training is their existing employer. Very often they have concluded that delivery of project benefits is inadequate so training is provided to enable employees to learn a more rigorous, and beneficial, approach to project management.

As PRINCE is taken up by more organisations, a secondary result is that employers find it more efficient and convenient to recruit managers who are already PRINCE trained.

Myth 3: PRINCE2 training marks you out as a competent project manager

• The PRINCE2 Foundation qualification marks you out as someone who has invested time in understanding the structure and terminology of a PRINCE2 project. You will be able to act as an informed member of a PRINCE2 project team.

• The PRINCE2 Practitioner qualification marks you out as someone able to apply the principles of PRINCE2 to practical real life scenarios.

Training for these qualifications alone does not make you a competent project manager.

In theory, the PRINCE2 training could be successfully completed by a student with zero project experience. However, it’s the combination of theoretical understanding and years of practical experience across a range of projects that truly signifies a competent project manager.

Myth 4: PRINCE2 training involves a three day Foundation course and a two day Practitioner course

The majority of people studying PRINCE2 undergo training in this format but it is not the only way.

The PRINCE2 Foundation exam is normally taken on the final day of a three day instructor led training course.

The PRINCE2 Practitioner exam is normally taken after a further two or three days training. In many cases, the training takes place over five consecutive days with the Foundation exam on the Wednesday, and the Practitioner exam on the Friday.

A number of accredited training organisations now offer instructor led training in alternative formats to suit differing learning styles and diary commitments. These include:

Four plus One – Foundation training for three days – An initial Practitioner training day – Final Practitioner training day and exam held one week later giving time for additional self study

Weekend - Foundation training of three days from Friday to Sunday – Practitioner training and exam undertaken over the following weekend (Saturday and Sunday)

It is also possible to take the exams at independent examination centres following self study of the PRINCE2 manuals, or having studied an accredited distance based learning pack.

Myth 5: The new multiple choice exam is dumbing down the value of PRINCE2 training

A new format for the PRINCE2 Practitioner exam has been introduced to replace the former essay based exam.

Although the new exam follows a multiple choice format, it is undeniably thorough in its range of questions. It still lasts three hours, and still tests a student’s understanding of how to apply PRINCE2 principles to real life scenarios. However, it is no longer possible to refer to any material other than the PRINCE2 manual during the exam.

Find out more at http://www.focusprojects.co.uk/courses/skillarea/2/

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Steve Twine B.Sc. is Managing Director and leads the Project Management team at Focus on Training. He has deep experience of complex and high profile international projects within the automotive industry

The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam tests understanding of the PRINCE2 terminology and principles, as well as the ability to apply, analyse and evaluate the PRINCE2 method within given project situations. It is aimed at those who aspire to, or already have, responsibility for project management.
The Exam Structure
9 topics, each focusing on one of the 11 syllabus areas (these are: the 8 PRINCE2 components; the PRINCE2 process model; Product-based Planning technique; the PRINCE2 Quality Review technique)
40 marks per topic
50% pass-mark (180/360 total marks)
3 hour exam
An annotated copy of the PRINCE2 manual, annotated by the candidate, is allowed to be taken into the exam. No other study materials or revision notes are allowed.
The exam paper contains a Scenario Booklet, which describes a case study, including information about the candidate’s role (appropriate to the level expected of a recently-qualified PRINCE2 Practitioner), and the history and status of the project.
The Competencies
Each topic is made of up sub-sections, which are intended to examine different competencies.
Knowledge
(familiarity with key terms and principles of the PRINCE2 method)
Comprehension
(undertanding of the material, demonstrated through the ability to interpret the key terms and principles in one’s own words)
Application
(use of the key terms and principles of the PRINCE2 method within a particular project situation)
Analysis
(the ability to break down the PRINCE2 method into its component parts, to explain the relationships between these parts. Typical questions ask the candidate to identify errors in the application of the PRINCE2 method to a given situation)
Evaluation
(critiquing or justifying the application of the PRINCE2 method in a given situation)
These competencies, and their corresponding sub-sections, are ranked according to difficulty (with “Knowledge” as easiest and “Evaluation” as most difficult). The proportion of marks available for each question, indicated at the start of the sub-section, reflect this increasing complexity. A maximum of 30% is awarded for sub-sections testing knowledge and comprehension. It is therefore impossible to pass the Practitioner Exam without demonstrating the ability to apply, analyse and evaluate the PRINCE2 method.
The Questions
There are three main question types:
Multiple Choice, True/False and Multiple Response (select the correct answer(s) from a range of possible responses)
Matching and Sequencing (determine the relationship between items, by placing them in sequence, or linking the items in two lists)
Assertion/reason questions
The Assertion/reason questions are most difficult. These consist of two statements, one of which is referred to as an “Assertion”, and the other as a “Reason”. The candidate must determine whether either or both of these statements is accurate. If both are accurate, then the candidate must decide whether the “Reason” is an accurate explanation for the “Assertion”.
Assertion/reason questions carry three marks, but partially-correct answers receive nothing. It is therefore important to consider carefully each element of the question. It is perfectly possible for the “Assertion” to be incorrect, but for the “Reason” to be an accurate statement.
Revision Strategy
While you are allowed to refer to the PRINCE2 manual during the examination, relying on this for basic knowledge may waste time that could be spent considering more difficult questions. If you scored highly in the Foundation Exam then you should have the core understanding necessary for applying the PRINCE2 method at Practitioner level. Even so, it is a good idea to revise the PRINCE2 method thoroughly in advance.
Exam Strategy
Read the Scenario Booklet carefully before starting the exam, and try to identify the elements of the PRINCE2 method that have been applied to the project. Keep an eye out for flaws in its application.
It is easy to assume that timing is not an issue when the exam is 3 hours long. However, the 360 marks available allow only 30 seconds per mark. A question worth six marks, therefore, should take approximately three minutes, while a question worth two marks should take only one minute.
It is a good idea to read through the entire paper first, then to attempt the simpler questions, and finally to go back to the more difficult. This ensures that easy marks are not lost by mis-estimation of the time available.
There is no negative marking in this exam, so answer every question, even if you are uncertain of your answer.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam has an 88% pass-rate. Geared towards a higher level of understanding and competence than the Foundation Exam, it is a rigorous test of practical analytical abilities. These can be honed and best applied by working through practice questions, and by considering the internal structure and the application of the PRINCE2 method in detail.
PRINCE2 is a trademark of the Office of Government Commerce

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Article by Simon Buehring

Simon Buehring is a project manager, consultant and trainer. He works for KnowledgeTrain which offers training in PRINCE2 project management and PRINCE2 trainingin the UK and overseas. Simon has extensive experience within the IT industry. Contact him via the KnowledgeTrain project management training website.

The PRINCE2 Foundation Exam recognises knowledge of the PRINCE2 methodology. It provides an important boost to the C.V. of anybody seeking a career in project management, and is a prerequisite for PRINCE2 Practitioner status.
According to the APM Group’s statistics, 95% of test-takers pass the Foundation Exam. With a little preparation, there is no reason why, having followed the PRINCE2 Foundation course, you should not pass the exam at first attempt.
The Exam Structure
? 74 multiple choice questions ? 50% pass-mark (38/75) ? 1 hour, closed-book exam The Competencies
The official syllabus details four competencies required of Foundation-level candidates:
? Describe the purpose and major content of all roles, the eight components, the eight processes and the techniques involved in the PRINCE2 method. ? State which management products are input to, output from, and updated in the eight processes and the sub-processes of Controlling a Stage (CS) and Managing Product Delivert (MP). ? State the main purpose, and key contents, of the major management products. ? State the relationships between processes, deliverables, roles and the management dimensions of a project. In other words, the Foundation Exam tests familiarity with the terminology and principles of PRINCE2, and your understanding of how these elements interrelate.
The Questions
Typical questions include the definition of terminology, identification of the relationships between PRINCE2-specific roles, products and processes, and explanation of the benefits of a PRINCE2 technique.
For example:
Which of these items does NOT involve the Project Board?
a) Exception Assessement b) Highlight Reports c) Project Closure d) Work Package Authorisation Exception Assessment – the Project Board assesses the Exception Report prepared by the Project Manager.
Highlight Reports – a progress report prepared by the Project Manager used by the Project Board to review progress.
Project Closure – the Project Manager prepares input for the Project Board to obtain confirmation that the project may close.
Work Package Authorisation – the Project Manager authorises a Work Package to be executed by the Team Manager.
Only the Work Package Authorisation does not involve the Project Board.
Identification of the key terms and the relationships between them is essential in answering this question.
Revision Strategy
PRINCE2 Foundation Exams are compiled from a 900-strong question bank. The limited number of questions means that the more practice questions you attempt, the more familiar you become with the question style, and the greater the chances of exam success.
Diagrams, such as flow-charts and organisational models, are invaluable tools in teaching, comprehending and revising the PRINCE2 method. Reproducing these diagrams for yourself requires logical progression through each aspect of the PRINCE2 method, ensuring a sound understanding of how the methodology.
Exam Strategy
Most important is timing. There are 75 questions and sixty minutes, which allows 45 seconds per question. To achieve the minimum pass-mark allows 90 seconds per correct answer. Dealing with variations in question complexity is another important part of exam strategy. As all questions are equally weighted, you should not spend too long on one problem; however, some questions will necessarily be harder, and require more time, than others. As there is no negative marking, you should answer every question.
One strategy is to work through the paper three times:
1. Attempt all questions, circling those about which you are unsure. 2. Read the questions more carefully, checking that you have not made avoidable errors, for example: identifying the true answer when it is the false that is required. 3. Spend any remaining time considering the questions that remain ambiguous. With sensible revision and exam strategies, it is possible to score highly in the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam. While your score will not affect your Practitioner Exam grade, statistics suggest that those who do better in the first are more likely to succeed in the second. In other words, being well-prepared at Foundation level maximises your chances of passing the exam and also stands you in good stead for the Practitioner qualification.
PRINCE2 (R) is a trademark of the Office of Government Commerce
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Article by Simon Buehring

Simon Buehring is a project manager, consultant and trainer. He works for KnowledgeTrain which offers training in PRINCE2 project management and PRINCE2 trainingin the UK and overseas. Simon has extensive experience within the IT industry. Contact him via the KnowledgeTrain project management training website.

Project Management is an increasingly popular career choice for young graduates. According to statistics produced by the Middlesex University National Centre for Project Management, 1.5 – 2 million people earn their living as Project Managers in the UK alone.
Requiring strong organisational and leadership abilities rather than specialist industry knowledge, Project Management provides a varied and challenging career. Project Managers are required for the co-ordination of projects of every size and scope within environments ranging from hospitals to financial institutions, and advertising firms to charities.
How do I get in?
Entry into Project Management is usually via several years experience in a particular industry or sector, but there are a growing number of junior and trainee roles available, as well as vacation and graduate internships ranging from three weeks to a year in length.
It is also possible to gain relevant experience by working in an administrative position within a project team. Project Support roles, such as Project Assistant and Project Secretary, typically require excellent IT skills and at least several months work experience within an office environment, with project experience considered advantageous.
However, demonstrable knowledge of project management methods and software (e.g. MS Project) provides bonus points for the experience-bare CV. Of the project management methods available, PRINCE2TM is currently most popular in the UK, and is standard in the public sector. Becoming familiar with the terminology, principles and structure of the PRINCE2 methods will make any candidate stand out for a Project Support role.
Moving up
Beyond the administrative roles, positions such as Project Planner and Project Analyst provide useful stepping-stones for those wanting to pursue a Project Management career. These usually work alongside the Project Manager, so gaining in-depth knowledge of the specific project and insights into the practical application of project management methods.
Project Manager
The fundamental role of a Project Manager is to manage a set of resources – people, money, materials etc – to accomplish a series of tasks within a defined budget and scope. The project might be the installation of a new IT system, the staging of a concert, or the development and implementation of a marketing campaign.
The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the project – the products and reports required, the roles of individual staff members and the deadlines by which specific tasks must be completed – are defined in advance, are communicated to the project team and are monitored throughout the project’s duration.
Typical pay
A Project Manager can earn anything between £20k (in and entry-level position) to £100k+ in senior roles. According to Arras People, most Project Managers earn between £30k and £50k per year. Forty percent of the surveyed Project Managers working under contract earned between £350 and £500 per day.
At the top of the tree
At the top of the Project Management tree is the Programme Manager, who has total accountability for the planning and successful execution of multiple projects, each run on ground level by a separate Project Manager. Programme Managers usually have at least eight years experience behind them, including senior project management and the organisation of large project teams (50-80 people). Project Management qualifications are also a frequent ‘desirable’ at this level, the most common in the UK being PRINCE2 and APM.
Typical pay
The average salary for a Programme Manager falls between £50 000 – £64 000, with only 9% of Programme Managers earning less than £35.5k per year. A well-paid and demanding role, Programme Management requires in-depth understanding of the project management process, and the ability and drive to make each project happen. PRINCE2™ is a trademark of the Office of Government Commerce.

Article by Simon Buehring

About the Author:
Simon Buehring is a project manager, consultant and trainer. He works for KnowledgeTrain which offers training in PRINCE2 project management and PRINCE2 trainingin the UK and overseas. Simon has extensive experience within the IT industry. Contact him via the KnowledgeTrain project management training website.