Comparison of the 6th and 7th Editions of PRINCE2
In 2023, the new 7th edition of the PRINCE2 methodology was published. Compared to the previous 6th edition from 2017, it introduces a range of updates that reflect the current needs of project teams. What are the key differences? We have prepared a clear comparison.
PRINCE2 is one of the most popular project management methodologies. It helps organizations manage projects in a structured way.
1. A Modern Definition of Project Management
The 6th edition of PRINCE2 focused on processes like planning, delegating, and controlling. The 7th edition defines project management as the application of methods, tools, techniques, and competencies to achieve goals more effectively. This makes the PRINCE2 methodology better adapted to the current needs of project management.
PRINCE2 identifies measurable areas of project management, referred to as aspects. One of the most notable updates in the 7th edition is the addition of sustainability. Beyond the traditional aspects such as benefits, costs, and risks, the 7th edition highlights environmental and social responsibility in projects. This reflects the growing trend where organizations are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices.
The 7th edition introduces a new fifth element: People. This addition focuses on the "soft" aspects of project management, including competencies, teamwork, and organizational culture.
4. Themes Renamed to Practices
The 7th edition replaces "Themes" with "Practices" to better reflect their practical application. For example "Change Management" has been renamed "Issue Management," aligning more closely with the real-world challenges project managers face.
The 7th edition of PRINCE2 simplifies administrative tasks by reducing the number of management products from 26 to 16. More significant changes occurred especially in the Documentation, which was expanded to include new approaches such as sustainability management and work with digital data, which facilitates their use in modern projects.
The 7th edition is more flexible, modern, and tailored to the needs of today’s project teams. Its focus on sustainability, the human element, and practical application makes it ideal for organizations looking to streamline project management while staying ahead of industry trends.
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The article was prepared in cooperation with our lecturer Mgr. Jiří Pilný, who has 15 years of experience with IT Service Management, ITIL and project management standards.