PMBOK vs PRINCE2 vs Agile project management

There are a range of different methodologies which are often applied to project management, with the three most commonly considered being PMBOK, PRINCE2 and Agile. If you're trying to weigh up what are the pros and cons of PMBOK versus PRINCE2 versus something like Agile, you may find it useful to consider them in context with the project that you're undertaking, as well as comparing one to the other.

To help you in assessing what are the pros and cons of PMBOK vs PRINCE2 vs Agile and which of these methodologies may work best in your individual situation, here is an overview of each of these systems for general project management best practice.

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PMBOK - pros and cons

PMBOK is short for Project Management Body of Knowledge. Users of this system find that it has more substantial frameworks for contract management, scope management and other aspects which are arguably less robust in PRINCE2. However, many users of PMBOK find that they are not entirely happy with the way this system limits decision making solely to project managers, making it difficult for handing over aspects of the management to other parties and senior managers. With PMBOK, the project manager can seemingly become the primary decision maker, planner, problem solver, human resource manager and so on.

PRINCE2 - pros and cons

PRINCE2 stands for Projects in a Controlled Environment and this is a project management program that shares more of the functional and financial authority with senior management, not just the project manager. This program has a focus on aiding the project manager to oversee projects on behalf of an organisation's senior management. On the pros side, PRINCE2 provides a single standard approach to the management projects, which is why many government and global organisations prefer this option. It is also favoured because of its ease of use, which makes is easy to learn, even for those with limited experience. On the downside, there are users who feel that PRINCE2 misses the importance of “soft skills” that should be a focus for a project manager.

Agile - pros and cons

Agile is a more distinct program from PMBOK and PRINCE2. The Agile methodology is more flexible, making it better able to produce deliverables without the need for substantial changes and reworking. Tasks can be broken down into smaller stages and this allows for substantial risk reduction through earlier assessment, testing and analysis. The main drawback of Agile is that if it is not fully grasped, the methodology could lead to unattainable expectations.

If you're interested in comparing PMBOK vs PRINCE2 vs Agile and you're wondering about the pros and cons there are several answers. Each of these has it distinct differences. If you're project needs to be small and adaptable, then Agile may be the answer. If the project manager needs to be the sole decision maker, then PMBOK could be preferable and so on. Each project manager will form different opinions and they may even change their mind on which is best based upon changes from one project to the next.

Project management recommended reading:

• How to define the scope of a project
• How to create a risk register
• Risk and project management go hand in hand
• Project management for the small business
• The project management survival toolkit
• Understanding project management processes and tools to drive success
• How to tailor your presentation to the audience
• How to approach a project
• The trouble with continuous multi-tasking
• Communication risks within and around a virtual team
• An objective methodology to project prioritisation
• Program & project manager power – What are your most important traits to achieve success
• Anatomy of an effective project manager
• The unspoken additional constraint of project management
• How project managers can help their companies 'go Green'
• What makes an effective executive?
• Minimising bias of subject matter experts through effective project management
• Program and project manager power

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