Top 5 PRINCE2 Project Management Books

The adoption of PRINCE2 as a project management methodology continues to increase globally, resulting also in the increase in the number of employers, jobs and contracts looking for PRINCE2-certified professionals. Last year, more than 180,000 took the certification exams, 77 percent of which were in Europe. The number of permanent jobs citing PRINCE2 in the UK has gone up 135 more compared to last year, and up 630 more compared to 2013. AXELOS, the company who owned PRINCE2, enumerates several benefits in implementing this PM best practice, such as providing confidence in successful delivery, having a common language between internal and external project professionals, being customer-focused with a comprehensive change control mechanism, and more.

What is PRINCE2?

PRojects IN Controlled Environments, 2nd edition or PRINCE2, is a widely-practiced structured project management approach. It is based on experience drawn from thousands of projects and the contributions of much more people involved in projects. It covers the management of the project and the resources carrying out the activities of the project. It is built on 7 principles that create an integrated framework of 7 themes and 7 processes. It is capable of supporting business outcomes, enabling business change, managing risk in line with business needs, optimizing customer experience, showing value for money and improving continually.

The Best PRINCE2 Project Management Books

To help project managers know more of this methodology, we reviewed 5 PRINCE2 books with a variety of purpose, such as the introduction to this PM framework, detailed explanations and techniques in applying the principles to real-world scenarios, practical guides to prepare and pass the certification exams, as well as the latest publication of combining it with agile methods. The order of presentation was based on how the books ranked in sales at the time of writing this article.

1. PRINCE2 Study Guide

Summary: Written by David Hinde, a PRINCE2 qualified trainer, an accredited management coach, senior consultant and founder of Orgtopia project and change management consultancy. It was published in May 2012 and has 528 pages. Price starts at $29.24, which is a good price to help people pass their Foundation and Practitioner certification exams. We reviewed this book | View this book on Amazon

2. An Introduction to PRINCE2

Summary: From the Office of the Government Commerce, this is an up-to-date 2009 edition that provides a high level introduction to both editions of the ‘Managing’ and ‘Directing’ Successful Projects with PRINCE2. The paperback contained 115 pages and was published in 2009. Price starts at $18, especially targeted for new and experienced project professionals wanting to learn about the latest PRINCE2 edition. View this book on Amazon

3. Passing the PRINCE2 Exams For Dummies

Summary: Nick Graham is the director of a professional PM training and coaching company. He also has authored/co-authored several PM and PRINCE2 books. This guide was published in April 2013 and the price of a new paperback starts at $18.78. It has 344 pages divided into 5 parts and 22 chapters. It is written as a reviewer and exam practice workbook to help people pass the certification exams. View this book on Amazon

4. PRINCE2 Agile

Summary: Released by AXELOS, this extension module was published recently in June 2015. This paperback has 360 pages organized into 3 parts and 28 chapters. It is priced at $126.59 and is for both individuals and organizations already practicing PRINCE2 but wanting, encountering or have started practicing agile methods. Readers are able to learn how to tailor PRINCE2 in an agile context. We reviewed this book | View this book on Amazon

5. The PRINCE2 Practitioner

Summary: Colin Bentley is a former Chief Examiner for PRINCE2 since its beginning until 2008 when he retired. He has written over 20 books, many of which are about the PRINCE2 methodology. This third edition was published in April 2015 and contains the latest guidance in how to apply the basic principles, processes and themes to different kinds of projects. The price starts at $59.76 for the paperback edition. We reviewed this book | View this book on Amazon

Conclusion

PRINCE2 PM methodology and framework will continue to be adopted by global companies as more businesses try to be proactive and adaptive to changing business and market landscapes. This list shows but a small collection of reference material available in the market about this best practice. And as things continue to change, more books will be written and be published to reflect the latest and most relevant material to help aspiring and practicing PRINCE2 professionals.