APM vs PRINCE2: A Detailed Comparison

Project management plays a significant role in many organisations. Adopting a project management framework helps Project Managers to undertake and conduct the project effectively. APM and PRINCE2 are extremely popular project management frameworks, and choosing one can be a dilemma. Knowing the difference between APM vs PRINCE2 can help improve your decision-making.   

According to the Association for Project Management, the project management sector in the UK generates about 156.5 billion GBP of gross value added. So, project management is undoubtedly a desirable and valuable profession. In this blog, you will learn APM vs PRINCE2, their similarities, and their differences. Read this blog to gain a clear understanding of which one to choose. 

Table of Contents  

1) A brief introduction to APM and PRINCE2 

   a) What is APM? 

   b) What is PRINCE2? 

   c) Similarities between APM and PRINCE2 

2) The difference between APM and PRINCE2  

3) Which one to choose: APM or PRINCE2  

4) Conclusion    

A brief introduction to APM and PRINCE2  

APM and PRINCE2 are two widely recognised project management methodologies used to manage projects of varying sizes and complexity. 

What is APM?  

Association for Project Management (APM) is a project management framework focusing on managing projects through their lifecycle - from initiation to closure. It stresses using a flexible approach and emphasises teamwork. Additionally, it also promotes collaboration among project stakeholders. It is widely recognised in the UK and Europe and is often used for complex projects, including those in the construction and engineering sectors.


 

What is PRINCE2?  

Projects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) was developed in 1996 as a best practice method for project management. It provides a structured approach to managing projects. It stresses using a process-driven approach to project management and focuses on project governance. It is globally recognised and is often used for large-scale projects, including those in the public sector and IT projects.  

Similarities between APM and PRINCE2  

APM and PRINCE2 share a common goal of delivering successful projects, but they differ in their approach to project management.  

a) PRINCE2 and APM guide best practices of project management best practices   

b) Project delivery is the primary goal for both  

c) They both focus on continuous improvement throughout the lifecycle of a project  

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The difference between APM and PRINCE2

Although APM and PRINCE2 are project management frameworks, they have several differences. Some of them are listed as below: 

a) APM focuses on project management, teamwork, and collaboration  

b) It provides guidelines for fixing any issues throughout the project lifecycle  

c) It highlights the need to adapt to changes during the course of a project  

d) It offers several qualifications and offers specified certifications based on the experience  

e) One of the best things about getting an APM qualification is that you can possibly become a full-time member of the APM  

f) It offers a clear pathway for career advancement  

g) PRINCE2 focus on using a structured method for project governance  

h) Ever since its inception in 1996, the UK government and several private sector companies have adopted PRINCE2 at a standard project management methodology  

i)  PRINCE2 ensures that the project is aligned with the business scope of the organisation. It also keeps the stakeholder engaged throughout the project’s lifecycle  

j) PRINCE2 clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of the project team and gives detailed guidelines for handling the project  

k) PRINCE2 doesn’t require any prior experience in project management to be eligible and is considered somewhat easy to pass when compared to others  

l) APM focuses on project management, while PRINCE2 focuses on project governance   

m) APM has a broader scope of application, but PRINCE2 is more focused on larger projects  

While both methodologies have their strengths, the choice between APM and PRINCE2 will depend on the organisation's culture, goals, and the project's scope and complexity. It's important to choose the methodology that aligns best with the organisation's values and goals and can help the project achieve success.  

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Which one to choose: APM or PRINCE2  

APM and PRINCE2 are the two most renowned methodologies used by many organisations. They both provide frameworks to complete projects from their initiation stage to the final closure stage. It consists of five phases - envision, speculate, explore, adapt, and close. These phases consist of tasks and processes focusing on specific deliverables to keep the project on track.   

On the other hand, PRINCE2's framework is made up of seven processes, themes and principles that should be applied throughout the project lifecycle. All these processes, themes and principles are interconnected and should be customised to suit the environment of the specific project. It also defines specific deliverables that must be produced at each stage to ensure the project stays on track. Both methodologies have their similarities as well as their differences.    

Both focus on successfully delivering the project within the specified time frame, scope and budget. Ultimately, when it comes to choosing one, it is based on several factors like the organisation's culture, goals, and the specific project's scope and complexity. So, it all comes down to the preference of the individual or the organisation. 

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Conclusion   

We hope you have learned everything about APM vs PRINCE2 from this blog. Apart from this, you would have also learned about what are the both project management frameworks and their similarities. By reading this blog, you would have gained clarity on which project management framework to choose. 

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