ICT Project Management

This report evaluates the role of methodology in project management, specifically PRINCE2 and PMBoK project methodologies, and their similarities and differences. It also discusses their relation to project life cycle (PLC).

Running head: ICT PROJECT MANAGEMENT
ITC505 - ICT Project Management
Name of the Student
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Author Note

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ICT Project Management
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
1. Methodology and its Role in Project Management.........................................................2
2. Similarities and Differences between PMBoK and PRINCE2........................................2
2.1. PMBoK.....................................................................................................................3
2.2. PRINCE2..................................................................................................................3
2.3. Similarities and Differences between PRINCE2 and PMBoK.................................4
3. PMBoK and PRINCE2 in PLC........................................................................................5
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................5
References............................................................................................................................7

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Introduction
Methodology refers to the systematic use of tools and techniques that ensures successful
completion of a particular task or project. The aim of the report is to evaluate the concept of
methodology in order to relate the same to project management and to project life cycle (PLC).
Methodology has a significant role in management of a project as it has a series of different
project processes that is designed to assist the project manager with the management of the
project (Kerzner & Kerzner, 2017). The methodology provides a guide for successful
implementation of the project. In this context, PRINCE2 and PMBOK project methodology is
discussed to evaluate their role in project life cycle.
1. Methodology and its Role in Project Management
Methodology is a model that is used by the project managers for employing an accurate
design, planning and implementation of a project (Špundak, 2014). There are a number of project
management methodologies that makes the process of project implementation quite easier
(Burke, 2013). The benefit of methodology is huge in context to management and therefore it is
one of the most important considerations for project management.
Methodology, therefore possess an important place in project management where the
project manager chooses a particular methodology in successful implementation of a project. The
correct choice of project management methodology is necessary to ensure that a project is
delivered within a scheduled time. The two project management methodology PRINCE2 and
PMBoK is evaluated in the following section.
2. Similarities and Differences between PMBoK and PRINCE2

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2.1. PMBoK
PMBoK is a guide that discusses the concepts, tools and techniques of managing a
project (Snyder & Dionisio,2017). This guide is a collection of processes and best practices that
helps the project managers in successful project implementation. There are 5 process groups and
ten knowledge areas in PMBoK approach. The following figure represents the five process
groups-
Figure 1: Representing the five Process Groups of PMBoK
(Source: Harrison & Lock, 2017)
2.2. PRINCE2
PRINCE2 project management methodology is a widely used project management
approach mainly in private sector. It executes a project in a controlled environment in order to
minimize the risks associated with a project (Joslin & Müller, 2015). There are seven processes
of PRINCE2 project methodology. The following picture represents the process groups of
PRINCE2-

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Figure 2: Representing the Processes and Themes of PRINCE2
(Source: Matos & Lopes, 2013)
2.3. Similarities and Differences between PRINCE2 and PMBoK
There are a number of similarities in PRINCE2 and PMBoK project methodology. First
of all, both the project methodologies ensure that the risks in the project are reduced or
eliminated (Matos & Lopes, 2013). The PRINCE2 implements a project in a controlled
environment while PMBoK ensures effective monitoring and control for efficient project
management.
However, there are a number of dissimilarities between these two methodologies. The
differences between PRINCE2 and PMBoK are as follows-
1. PRINCE2 is a structured project management methodology while PMBoK is more of a
project management guide.

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2. There are 7 process and 35 activities in PRINCE2 while PMBoK has 5 process groups
and 47 activities.
Apart from this, PRINCE2 mainly focuses on critical areas of managing a project while
PMBoK provides comprehensive support to the project manager.
3. PMBoK and PRINCE2 in PLC
Project Life cycle or PLC is an approach of project management that divides the project
in a number of controllable units (Heagney, 2016). Project Life Cycle defines a project from its
initiation phase to its completion phase. Each phase of PLC ensure that project is implemented
according to the plan.
PMBoK is quite similar to the project life cycle in certain aspects. Similar to PLC,
PMBoK divides a project in a number of controllable units (McDermott, 2016). Project life cycle
mainly focuses on the different processes, tools, knowledge for appropriate management of a
project quite similar to PMBoK (Skogmar, 2015). Thus it can be said that both PMBoK and PLC
relates to each other.
Similar is the case from PRINCE2 approach. PRINCE2 is a business case driven process
of project management that divides the project into a number of controllable units. Projects that
are executed with the help of PRINCE2 methodology have a clear objective similar to that of
project life cycle. Therefore it is concluded that PRINCE2 is related to PLC.
Conclusion
From the discussions of the report, it can be concluded that methodology is an integral
part of project management. It is the tool that drives the successful completion of a project and

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therefore widely adopted by the project managers across the world. In this report PRINCE2 and
PMBoK project methodologies are evaluated in order to identify their similarities and differences
and their role in PLC.

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References
Burke, R. (2013). Project management: planning and control techniques. New Jersey, USA.
Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced project management: a structured approach.
Routledge.
Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of project management. Amacom.
Joslin, R., & Müller, R. (2015). Relationships between a project management methodology and
project success in different project governance contexts. International Journal of Project
Management, 33(6), 1377-1392.
Kerzner, H., & Kerzner, H. R. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Matos, S., & Lopes, E. (2013). Prince2 or PMBOK–a question of choice. Procedia
Technology, 9, 787-794.
McDermott, K. A. (2016). A mixed methods study: Evaluating the relationship of project
manager competencies and it project management methodologies.
Skogmar, K. (2015). PRINCE2®, the PMBOK® Guide and ISO 21500: 2012. White Paper,
AXELOS.
Snyder, C., & Dionisio, C. S. (2017). A project manager's book of forms: A companion to the
PMBOK guide. John Wiley & Sons.
Špundak, M. (2014). Mixed agile/traditional project management methodology–reality or
illusion?. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 119, 939-948.

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